ISTANBUL 

More than 400 passengers were evacuated through a tunnel on Saturday after a man started a fire inside a subway train in Seoul, according to South Korean media.

The incident occurred at around 8.47 am local time (2347 GMT Friday), when a 60-year-old man allegedly ignited pieces of fabric using a torch-style lighter and a fuel container. The blaze broke out while the train was in operation, prompting panic among passengers.

According to the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency, 21 people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and a fractured ankle. No serious injuries were reported.

Passengers and the train conductor managed to contain the flames using fire extinguishers before the fire was fully extinguished, local authorities said.

A total of 230 emergency personnel, including firefighters and police officers, responded to the scene. The suspect initially fled but was later arrested on suspicion of arson. Police said they will question the man about his motive and conduct a forensic investigation of the scene.