A blaze broke out around 12:41 p.m. on March 19 in a single-occupancy unit on the first floor of a residential building in Songjeong-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, trapping dozens inside.
Swift Rescue Operation
Firefighters mobilized 16 fire engines and 50 personnel, extinguishing the flames within about 50 minutes. By 1:06 p.m., all occupants were safely evacuated. The structure houses 16 single rooms and approximately 50 residents.
Rescuers found 60 adult males unconscious inside the affected unit, each suffering minor first-degree burns.
Ongoing Investigation
Police and fire officials secured the scene and are probing the cause. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have started from an adjacent area during nearby repair activities.
