Dozens injured in fire at 33-storey tower in South Korea

Flames licked up the side of the building while firefighters battled the blaze overnight

By Tim Baker, news reporter

Friday 9 October 2020 12:29, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Apartment building blaze in South Korea
Why you can trust Paste BN

Dozens of people have been injured in a large fire at an apartment block in South Korea.

Strong winds in the city of Ulsan fanned the flames as they spread up the 33-storey building.

No one died or suffered serious injuries, according to the South Korean government, although 88 people were treated for minor cuts, bruises and light smoke inhalation.

The fire is believed to have broken out on a balcony low down the building
Image: The fire is believed to have broken out on a balcony low down the building

Hundreds of people were evacuated and around 80 were rescued from the roof and other areas.

Officials believe the fire started on a balcony on one of the lower levels late on Thursday evening, before spreading quickly in the wind.

Firefighters battled the blaze overnight
Image: Firefighters battled the blaze overnight

As of 9am local time on Friday (1am BST) the fire had been almost completely extinguished.

Related Topics