Incheon Coupang logistics center fire investigation concluded

Police have concluded their investigation into the massive fire at the Coupang 32 logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Incheon, finding no evidence of criminal activity. The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency stated that investigations into arson, negligence, and violations of the Fire Services Act yielded no suspects.

Forensic analysis by the National Forensic Service suggested the fire may have been caused by insulation failure in a lithium-ion battery cell within an unidentified device located near the ignition point on the building's sixth floor. However, the exact cause could not be definitively identified because the evidence was severely damaged by the flames.

Investigators confirmed that fire safety systems, including sprinklers and fire shutters, operated correctly and no violations of safety management regulations were found. The fire, which began on July 18, caused an estimated 114 billion won in property damage.

In response to the incident, police plan to request institutional improvements from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Fire Agency. Proposed measures include regulations to prevent fully charging batteries during product shipment, guidelines for separating battery-containing items from flammable materials, and applying strengthened fire safety standards retroactively to all large-scale warehouse facilities.