Arrest warrant sought for son in house fire

As part of its ongoing investigation of a weekend house fire in western Seoul that claimed six lives, the Seodaemun Police Station sought an arrest warrant Monday for the son of the house owner. The 32-year-old suspect, known only as Choi, is wanted on suspicion that he set the predawn fire that led to the two-story building`s collapse, killing six fire fighters and injuring three others.

Authorities have learned that Choi quarreled with his 65-year-old mother, known only as Shin, and beat her after she scolded him for coming home drunk. They believe he may later have set fire to their home.

Nine firefighters rushed into the house on hearing from Choi`s mother that he was still in his room. All were buried when the building collapsed and only three emerged alive. Investigators said Choi sneaked out of the house earlier and took refuge at a relative`s home.

Meanwhile, firefighters, Seoul government officials and about 1,000 local citizens paid tribute to the victims of the blaze at a memorial set up in the Seosomun annex building at City Hall.

President Kim Dae-Jung and National Assembly Speaker Lee Man-Sup also paid their respects to the firemen, while main opposition Grand National Party president Lee Hoi-Chang, ruling Millennium Democratic Party chairman Kim Joong-Kwon and Seoul mayor Goh Kun sent flowers and condolences.

During his visit to the memorial, President Kim consoled the bereaved families and promised that the government would provide for their needs, adding that he had instructed the cabinet to work out further fire prevention steps and improve working conditions for the nation`s firefighters.

Many local citizens also expressed their condolences on the Seodaemun Fire Station homepage and other websites, along with calls for a national campaign to raise consolation money for their loved ones.

Lee Wan-Bae roryrery@donga.com