Human error likely boosted death toll in subway fire

DAEGU, South Korea -- South Korean subway operators allowed a second train to pull into a blazing underground station, then hesitated to evacuate passengers as it was consumed by flames -- errors that may have doubled the death toll from this week's arson attack, investigators said Thursday.

More than 70 of the estimated 126 victims from Tuesday's blaze apparently died on that second train. Many victims were incinerated beyond recognition and authorities said Thursday they had identified only 46 victims total.

The blaze was set on one train in Joongang Station, reportedly by a 56-year-old passenger intent on committing suicide, police said. The man, identified as Kim Dae-han, who survived, has a history of mental illness.

Witnesses said he used a cigarette lighter to ignite a container filled with gasoline or another flammable liquid. The fire quickly spread through the six-car train. The second train then was allowed to enter the station even as the first train burned at the platform, investigators said, citing transcripts of radio exchanges between the engineer and rail control officials.

"When you enter the Joongang Station, drive carefully. There is a fire," controllers told the driver, according to the transcripts.

Evacuation delayed

Officials also hesitated to evacuate the passengers, wasting minutes that could have saved lives, police said. Some victims called their relatives by mobile phone from the burning train, panicked that the doors were not opening.

After the second train arrived, its driver said, "It's a mess. It's stifling. Take some measures please. Should I evacuate the passengers? What should I do?"

But moving the train was impossible by then because electricity had been cut. The second train then was engulfed in flames.

Officials said 146 people were injured in the attack. However, 388 people still were unaccounted for, but officials said that number was inflated by double-reporting and other clerical glitches.

Daegu still appeared to be in shock. Piles of white chrysanthemums, traditional funeral flowers, were placed near the subway's entrances. Although some trains were running, most cars were empty.

Sobbing survivors angrily confronted South Korea's president-elect with demands to speed the identification of the dead.

"Where am I supposed to find my child?" one woman asked when President-elect Roh Moo-hyun arrived to lay a flower at the shrine, which was adorned with victims' photographs -- including a picture of a mother and her young son.

Roh walked slowly through the agitated crowd to meet town officials and representatives of victims' families. Roh later told survivors they would be compensated by the government.

"This is something that cannot be solved by money, but the government will make its best efforts to provide assistance for the pain you have gone through," said Roh, who takes office next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, outgoing President Kim Dae-jung said he would tone down his farewell ceremonies in deference to the victims.

Critics said Tuesday's tragedy revealed problems with the nation's emergency response system and a potential vulnerability to terrorism.

Roh said Thursday he would instruct officials to inspect the subway system's safety features and upgrade them if necessary "so such an incident never takes place again."

The nationwide network carries 6.5 million passengers daily, and subway officials promised to install emergency lighting, more exit signs and flame-resistant car interiors, while also heightening security.

President Kim designated Daegu a "special disaster area," giving tax breaks and financial aid to victims and businesses.