[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] A scene in which two firefighters got into a physical altercation at a fire scene with flames shooting up was caught on a broadcast camera, sparking controversy.
The two were seen shoving and exchanging punches behind a fire truck, and the situation reportedly ended after their colleagues stepped in to stop them.
According to foreign media including Daily Mail, a vehicle fire believed to have been set by protesters broke out in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on the night of the 10th, local time.
Fire crews had been deployed to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
However, a helicopter camera filming the fire scene captured suspicious movements by the firefighters.
The footage showed two firefighters, fully dressed in protective gear and helmets, pushing each other behind the fire truck.
One firefighter approached the other and shoved him roughly, starting the altercation. The other immediately fought back, and the situation escalated.
The two continued to wrestle, and one of them was also reported to have headbutted the other.
The fight ended only after fellow firefighters rushed in and pulled them apart.
The fire station said, "We are aware of the argument and clash between firefighters at the fire scene," but added, "We will not comment on individual staff matters."
Meanwhile, the fire broke out amid a wave of violent protests across Northern Ireland.
The protests were triggered by a stabbing incident in Belfast.
According to local media, a Sudanese asylum seeker was arrested on the night of the 9th on suspicion of attacking a civilian with a knife on Kinnear Avenue in Belfast. The victim suffered deep wounds to the head, face, and back, and lost sight in the left eye, though the injuries were not life-threatening.
The suspect was charged with attempted murder and other offenses and has since remained silent.
Since then, clashes between anti-immigration protesters and police have continued across Belfast. Some protesters have carried out violent acts, including raiding homes and setting vehicles on fire.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
