Seongnam, South Korea — A large-scale fire erupted on Friday at a prominent commercial building in the bustling city of Seongnam, prompting a massive response from local fire departments and emergency services.
Witnesses reported seeing thick plumes of smoke billowing from the upper floors of the building around midday. The Gyeonggi Provincial Fire Department swiftly mobilized over 100 firefighters and dispatched 40 fire engines to the scene to combat the raging inferno.
As flames engulfed parts of the structure, chaos turned to coordinated efforts as approximately 50 people managed to evacuate the building unaided. “It was terrifying, but the staff guided us to the exits quickly,” said one of the evacuees.
Emergency responders undertook a daring rescue operation, reaching individuals trapped inside. Firefighters successfully rescued an additional 40 people, bringing them to safety amidst challenging conditions. Medics on-site provided immediate assistance to those affected, with several individuals treated for smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire remains under thorough investigation. Authorities are examining security footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the incident. “Our priority is to ensure everyone is safe and to determine what sparked this unfortunate event,” a fire department spokesperson stated.
The incident has raised concerns among local business owners and residents about building safety regulations and emergency preparedness in densely populated commercial areas. As Seongnam continues to grow as a commercial hub, officials emphasize the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
No fatalities have been reported at this time. The community awaits further updates as investigators work diligently to uncover the cause of the blaze.
Reference(s):
Firefighters tackle blaze at commercial building in South Korea
cgtn.com
