[Breaking] One Dead in Midnight Fire at Apartment in Changwon, Gyeongnam

A fire broke out on the 12th floor of an apartment in Masanhwoewon-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam, at around 11 p.m. on the 29th. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] A fire broke out on the 12th floor of an apartment in Masanhwoin-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam, around 11 p.m. on the 29th, resulting in one death.

According to Gyeongnam Fire Department and witnesses on the 30th, on that night, when sounds of popping and explosions were heard from the upper floors of the apartment along with fire alarms and announcements, residents evacuated urgently.

Five 119 Safety Centers including Hogye, Naeseo, and Yangbong responded to the report and carried out fire suppression and rescue operations. The fire was completely extinguished by the dispatched firefighters within about 50 minutes.

It is reported that one person, presumed to be the homeowner, died in the fire. Residents who inhaled toxic gases during evacuation were taken to nearby hospitals.

Fire Chief Park Kyung-do, who was dispatched to the scene, said, “The deceased was found in the master bedroom of the apartment, and the house had accumulated butane gas and waste paper, creating an environment vulnerable to fire.”

The fire department and police are currently investigating the identity of the deceased and the exact cause of the fire.