Seoul: One person was killed and three others were injured after a fire broke out at an apartment complex in southern Seoul, authorities reported.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the fire started at 6:18 a.m. at Eunma Apartments in Daechi-dong, Gangnam Ward. A teenage girl lost her life, and two other individuals in the same unit suffered burns to their faces. An upstairs neighbor experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, but none of the injured were in life-threatening condition. Approximately 70 residents were evacuated from the premises.
The blaze was contained within 30 minutes and was fully extinguished by 7:36 a.m. Authorities, including the police and firefighting services, plan to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
Eunma Apartments has been a focal point in the nation's real estate policy debate because of its size and location in the affluent Gangnam district. Built in 1979, the complex faced challenges in obtaining reconstruction approval for years due to safety concerns and internal disagreements within its reconstruction promotion association. However, a plan was finalized last year to construct 5,893 new apartment units in 49-floor buildings by 2030.