Incident Overview: A fire at a nine-story hotel in Bucheon, west of Seoul, overnight Thursday resulted in at least seven deaths and injured at least 12 people, three of whom are in serious condition.
Emergency Response: Around 160 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, which started on the eighth floor, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Casualties and Impact: Some victims died after jumping from windows in an attempt to escape the fire, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Seoul, August 24, 2024 – A devastating fire claimed the lives of at least seven individuals overnight Thursday at a hotel in Bucheon, a suburb located to the west of Seoul, according to a report from the Korean news agency Yonhap.
The fire erupted on the eighth floor of the nine-story hotel, rapidly engulfing the upper levels and prompting a swift response from emergency services. Approximately 160 firefighters were dispatched to combat the blaze and carry out rescue operations. Despite their efforts, the inferno resulted in tragic fatalities, with some victims reportedly jumping from windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.
In addition to the confirmed deaths, at least 12 people sustained injuries, with three of them in serious condition. The intensity of the fire and the challenges faced by rescuers are currently contributing to an ongoing and complex rescue operation at the scene.
Yonhap further reported that emergency personnel are working tirelessly to control the situation and provide aid to those affected. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities continue to assess the full impact of this tragic event.