Tragic Blaze in Bucheon: Seven Dead, Several Injured

A devastating fire claimed the lives of seven individuals in a Bucheon city hotel near Seoul, South Korea, with several others injured. The blaze, emanating from the eighth floor, prompted urgent rescue and firefighting efforts. Interior Minister Lee Sang-min emphasized the critical response required during the tragedy.

A catastrophic fire at a Bucheon city hotel, near Seoul, South Korea, resulted in seven fatalities and numerous injuries, firefighting authorities reported, as per local media. The blaze ignited on the eighth floor of the nine-story structure, leaving a trail of destruction and tragedy.

Various injured victims, some severely affected by smoke inhalation, have been rushed to local hospitals. Three are in serious condition, though not critical. Disturbingly, among those who perished were individuals who jumped from windows hoping to land on an inflatable mattress, and a woman found in cardiac arrest on the stairs.

Interior Minister Lee Sang-min urged an all-out effort by firefighting teams and local government to leverage every available resource for firefighting and rescue operations. South Korea's KBS broadcaster confirmed that all seven deceased were nationals.

The fire erupted during a time when 23 guests occupied the hotel. Many of the bodies were found within guest rooms, hallways, and stairs, as reported by ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)