Christmas Fire Tragedy... Father Dies Protecting Child

In the early morning of the 25th, a fire broke out in a high-rise apartment in Banghak-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul, resulting in 2 deaths and 29 injuries. It was confirmed that one of the deceased died after jumping while holding their child to escape the fire.

According to the police and fire authorities, the fire started at around 4:57 a.m. in an apartment on the 3rd floor of a 23-story building in Banghak-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. A couple in their 30s living on the 4th floor jumped down holding their 7-month-old and 2-year-old children, respectively, to escape the fire.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The husband, Park (33), was found in cardiac arrest and was transported to the hospital but ultimately passed away. The wife, Jeong (34), sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at the hospital. The children were also taken to the hospital but are reported to be in stable condition.

The other deceased was Im (38), a resident on the 10th floor, who was found in cardiac arrest on the stairs of the 11th floor. Authorities estimate that he died from inhaling smoke while evacuating.

The fire reportedly started on the 3rd floor and spread to the upper floors. During the evacuation, 2 residents died and 29 were injured.