Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 10:48 pm
Seoul, South Korea – On Thursday evening, a fire broke out at a hotel in Bucheon, which is south of Seoul, and killed six people while injuring 11 others. The fire started on the eighth floor of the nine-story hotel and spread all over the place, sending hundreds into panic.
Lightning-Quick Response by Emergency
The Gyeonggi Province fire authorities immediately mobilized 46 units of fire trucks and 150 fire fighters to the scene. The fire started just before sunset, thus the situation where the rescuing operation could be undertaken is unfavorable. At the last report, firefighting teams were still trying to subdue the fire, and it is possible that the death toll and injured may rise further.
Uncertain Situation as Firefighters Struggle to Contain Blaze
Despite the concerted effort by the emergency responders, the situation was still critical, with the fire not yet fully extinguished. A fire official quoted by Yonhap News Agency added that there could be more casualties or injuries due to the enormity of the fire and how some areas in the hotel were inaccessible.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have now launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the level of safety measures taken in the hotel. The accident has shocked local residents and many people who are passing by; quite a number of them gathered near the scene as firefighters battled to control the blaze.
Community Impact
The tragic event has shone a light on fire safety standards in high-rise buildings of South Korea, particularly in these highly populated areas like Bucheon. The community is in shock from the loss of life, and there is a very strong urge for a full investigation so these circumstances would never occur again.