Sisters Die While Parents Work Overnight Shift — Organ Donation Brings Light Amid Grief

A devastating fire broke out in an apartment in Busan while the parents were away at work, tragically claiming the life of a 10-year-old girl. Her 7-year-old sister, who was hospitalized for treatment, also succumbed to her injuries.

Despite their unimaginable grief, the parents made the heart-wrenching decision to donate their younger daughter’s organs, giving others the gift of life.

On Wednesday, the Busanjin Police Station reported that the 7-year-old girl, critically injured in the apartment fire in the Gaegim-dong neighborhood of Busanjin on Tuesday, passed away at the hospital that morning after undergoing treatment.

The family, in their sorrow, has chosen to proceed with funeral arrangements without an autopsy for the deceased child.

Parents Decide to Donate Their Daughter’s Organs Amid Tragedy

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education confirmed that the parents of the two sisters made the difficult decision to donate their 7-year-old daughter’s organs.

In the face of immense heartbreak, the parents’ courageous decision to help save the lives of others through organ donation has moved the community deeply.

The fire broke out on Tuesday around 4:15 AM in a fourth-floor apartment in Gaegim-dong, Busanjin. Firefighters, alerted by a neighbor’s call, responded swiftly and extinguished the flames within 20 minutes. However, by that time, the two sisters, ages 10 and 7, had been severely affected by the smoke and heat.

The 10-year-old girl tragically died on the spot from carbon monoxide poisoning, while her 7-year-old sister was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest, but ultimately passed away.

At the time of the fire, the parents were away from home, working a cleaning shift. The fire is believed to have started shortly after they left around 4 AM.

Following a joint investigation with relevant authorities, the police concluded that the fire most likely originated near an electrical outlet in the living room, where power cords from electronic devices, such as a computer, were plugged in.

Neighbors have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of the young sisters, recalling them as polite and well-behaved children, despite growing up in a financially struggling household.

In light of this tragedy, the Busanjin District has announced plans to support the grieving family through various programs, including the Hope Welfare Safety Net and other social safety net initiatives.