Dec. 22 (UPI) — A fire that spread through an eight-story building in South Korea killed more than two dozen people on Thursday.
At least 29 people were killed and 26 others were injured in the blaze, which began in the first floor parking lot of an eight-story building in the city of Jecheon, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Most of the deaths came as people became trapped in a public sauna on the second floor of the building.
South Korea’s National Fire Agency estimated the fire began at about 3:53 p.m. and had been largely extinguished by Thursday night after about 49 fire engines, 60 firefighters and two fire helicopters responded to the scene.
About 20 people were rescued from the roof of the building and authorities said the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
The Prime Minister’s office tweeted local fire and police chiefs have been working with necessary authorities to mobilize the rapid life-saving fire suppression and will do its best to prevent further fatalities on the scene.”
President Moon Jae-in also issued a statement offering condolences to the families of those killed in the blaze.
“We are saddened by the heavy toll of lives that were taken,” he said.
