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Fire Forces Over 300 to Evacuate Eight-Story Building in South Korea

Firefighters respond swiftly to a blaze in Seongnam, helping rescue those trapped.

By Jin Yu YoungSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Fire Forces Over 300 to Evacuate Eight-Story Building in South Korea
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

A dramatic firefighting operation ensued after a fire broke out in a commercial building, highlighting emergency response efficiency.

On Friday afternoon, more than 300 individuals had to hastily evacuate from an eight-story commercial complex located in Seongnam, south of Seoul, as a fire erupted within the structure. Dramatic video footage captured the moment, showing several people stranded on the rooftop, awaiting rescue amid billowing smoke.Reports of the fire came in around 4:40 p.m., prompting swift action from fire officials who arrived at the scene within an hour. Of the roughly 300 people present during the incident, firefighters successfully rescued 240. An additional 70 individuals managed to escape without assistance. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, although nearly 30 individuals were treated for minor injuries, primarily due to smoke inhalation.Local news footage vividly depicted lower floors engulfed in flames while thick black smoke rose from the upper sections of the building. Witnesses shared details of the chaos as people flocked to the rooftop for safety. The fire reportedly originated on the first floor, but an official cause has yet to be provided. The commercial complex is notable for its five underground levels.

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