Welding Sparks Ignite Building Exterior, 10 Injured Including Firefighters, 5 Trapped on Rooftop (Breaking News)

Fire at officetel in Busan Allak-dong, 5 residents, 2 workers, 2 firefighters, and 1 manager hospitalized

On the morning of the 9th, flames that broke out during welding work in the underground parking lot of an officetel in Anrak-dong, Busan, spread to the upper floors, and firefighters are conducting extinguishing operations. [Image source=Busan Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] At 11:06 a.m. on the 9th, a fire broke out in an officetel in Allak-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, injuring 10 people including 2 firefighters, who were transported to the hospital, while 5 residents were trapped on the rooftop awaiting rescue.

According to Busan police and fire authorities, sparks from welding work in the basement level 1 spread along the exterior wall.

Due to the fire, a total of 10 people including 5 residents, 2 workers, 2 firefighters, and 1 management office staff inhaled smoke and were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Four vehicles in the first-floor parking lot were reported to be either completely burned or partially damaged by fire.

As of 12:20 p.m. that day, the flames were spreading along the exterior wall, and 5 residents living on the upper floors evacuated to the rooftop, awaiting rescue.

Firefighters and 25 fire trucks were dispatched to carry out firefighting and rescue operations, while the police deployed 4 patrol cars from the local police station and 1 traffic patrol car to support the rescue efforts.