South Korea: Fire Breaks Out In Commercial Building, Swift Rescue Saves Hundreds

A fire broke out at a large commercial building in Seongnam, South Korea, on Friday, prompting the rescue and evacuation of hundreds of people, fire officials reported.

More than 260 firefighters and 80 vehicles responded to the blaze, which was brought under control approximately an hour and a half after it was first reported at 4:30 p.m., according to the Gyeonggi provincial fire department.

So far, emergency workers have rescued 240 individuals, with an additional 70 safely exiting the eight-story building on their own. Around 28 people sustained minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, but there have been no reports of serious injuries. Rescue teams are continuing to search the building to ensure no one is trapped.

The fire is believed to have started in a restaurant on the first floor, though the cause remains under investigation.