Gyeongsan: Eight people were injured Thursday following a suspected arson that resulted in a fire and explosion at an apartment management office in Gyeongsan, according to police and city officials. The incident occurred at 8:29 a.m., when an apartment resident allegedly set the office ablaze, leading to a swift response from firefighters who managed to extinguish the fire within 20 minutes.

According to Yonhap News Agency, one of the injured individuals is in critical condition, while the remaining victims include five elderly individuals from a nearby senior center. At the time of the explosion, several people were reportedly gathered in the office to discuss management regulations for the apartment complex.

Authorities have taken a man believed to be responsible for the suspected arson to a hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect entered the office with flammable materials shortly before the fire began. Witnesses described hearing explosions and seeing individuals with their bodies aflame fleeing the building.

Police are planning to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident, with plans to interview those present during the explosion.