Fire in office building in South Korea, at least 7 people died

People stand outside the balcony waiting for rescue in a fire in Daegu city, South Korea on June 9 – Photo: YONHAP

The fire broke out at 10:55 a.m. local time at a seven-story building in the city of Daegu, about 302 kilometers south of Seoul, the Yonhap news agency quoted firefighters as saying.

The fire was completely extinguished by firefighters about 20 minutes later.

Dozens of residents were evacuated from the building.

The scene of a fire in the city of Daegu, South Korea on June 9 – Photo: donga

Local authorities dispatched 50 fire engines and 160 firefighters to the scene of the fire.

Shin Ju Han, an official with the Daegu Fire Department, said dozens of vehicles and firefighters were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the fire burning on the second floor of the building.

According to AP news agency, this building is located right behind the district court of Daegu city.

South Korean media posted images showing firefighters gathering outside an office building in Daegu. Ladders were built to the upper floors and some panes of glass were broken.

A firefighter said they were transferring the injured to a hospital, and were counting the exact number of casualties.

Police said they were investigating the exact cause of the fire, not ruling out the possibility of arson.

In 2019, also in the city of Daegu, there was a serious fire at a public sauna, killing 2 people and injuring 70 others.

The scene of a fire in Daegu city, South Korea on June 9 – Photo: NEWSIS

Firefighters are said to be moving the body of a person killed in a fire in the city of Daegu, South Korea on June 9 – Photo: donga