Japanese Media: Mongolian Fire Perpetrator Apologizes, But Claims “No Laws Were Broken”
According to a report by Japanese media outlet ABEMA TIMES on October 25: A large-scale wildfire broke out earlier this month in a grassland nature reserve in Mongolia. Japan’s KDDI Corporation has released details regarding the incident, stating that smoke originated from a vehicle occupied by one of its executives, and issued an apology statement.
Japanese media noted that news of the fire was first reported by Chinese outlets. On the 8th of this month, a fire erupted in a nature reserve in Dornod Province, eastern Mongolia, spreading rapidly across the area.
Regarding the incident, KDDI disclosed that the smoke came from a vehicle carrying one of its executives. The company stated: “We deeply regret the significant inconvenience and concern caused.”
According to the official statement, Movicom (a joint venture between KDDI and local partners in Mongolia) staff, holding valid entry permits, had traveled to the Nömrög Nature Reserve to “attend the launch ceremony for a telecommunications network and verify network performance,” using a vehicle provided by Mongolia’s State Border and Harbor Administration.
During the journey, while stopping to clear dry grass adhering to the vehicle, smoke began to emerge. Personnel from the State Border and Harbor Administration and Movicom employees attempted to extinguish the flames, but the fire quickly spread to surrounding grasslands.
Local reports have mentioned plans to fish for endangered species. KDDI did not provide specific clarification on this matter, only stating: “It has been confirmed that no laws were violated by company personnel.”
KDDI also pledged cooperation with relevant authorities in their investigation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880000649450499/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.