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Man injured in gas explosion while using butane torch to kill insects

Published: 11 Nov. 2025, 09:35

Cans of butane gas containers [YONHAP]

A man in his 60s was injured in a gas explosion at his home in Namyangju, Gyeonggi, after trying to kill insects using a butane torch, local fire authorities said Tuesday.

According to the fire department, a report was received at 12:19 p.m. Sunday, from a resident of a multifamily home in Mukhyun-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju, who said they heard an explosion coming from a neighboring unit.

Responding firefighters found the man with first- and second-degree burns on his body and shoulder. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities believe the explosion occurred when the man sprayed anti-mold agent on the walls of his boiler room before attempting to use a butane gas torch to eliminate insects and mold.

Fortunately, the explosion did not lead to a fire.

Police and fire authorities are investigating the exact cause of the incident and assessing the extent of the damage.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY HYEON YE-SEUL [[email protected]]