Police change death toll of Japanese tourists

BUSAN, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) -- Police changed the death toll of Japanese tourists
from a shooting range fire to seven after officially confirming one of the
victims as a South Korean.
Police initially said eight Japanese tourists and two South Koreans were killed
in the fire Saturday in this southern port city. However, the family of a
32-year-old South Korean, only identified as his surname Lee, claimed he was
mistaken as Japanese victim, citing his belongings including a bracelet and a
wrist watch.
Police confirmed the mistake after a DNA test.
"As the victims' faces were severely maimed, there was some confusion in the
process of identifying the wounded and the dead," a police official said.
The fire broke out Saturday afternoon and a group of Japanese tourists were
trapped inside the shooting range, where they were visiting as part of a
sightseeing program. The group had come to Busan earlier Saturday on a two-day
trip.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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