Gwangmyeong: One person was killed, two were found in cardiac arrest, and approximately 60 others were injured after a fire erupted in an apartment parking lot in Gwangmyeong, which is located just south of Seoul, authorities reported Friday. The unfortunate incident has raised concerns and prompted a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the blaze began around 9:10 p.m. on Thursday in the parking area of a 10-story apartment building. Firefighting authorities managed to bring the flames under control by 9:56 p.m., and they were completely extinguished by 10:32 p.m. Despite the swift response, the fire resulted in one fatality-a woman in her 60s who was sent to the hospital after being found in cardiac arrest but later succumbed to her condition.
In addition to the deceased, a man and another woman in her 60s were also found in cardiac arrest and rushed to the hospital for treatment. The fire inflicted serious injuries on 11 individuals, including full-body burns and loss of consciousness. Another 55 people suffered minor injuries, primarily due to smoke inhalation.
The firefighting operation successfully rescued 23 residents who had sought refuge on the rooftop to escape the smoke. Authorities are now conducting an investigation to determine the fire's cause, with some speculation suggesting it might be linked to electric vehicles.