Tragic Fire in South Korean Apartment Leaves Three in Cardiac Arrest and Dozens Injured

Three people were found in cardiac arrest and 62 others injured after a fire broke out in an apartment parking lot in Gwangmyeong, a city just south of Seoul, authorities reported Friday.

The blaze started around 9:10 p.m. Thursday in the parking facility of a 10-story apartment building in the area.

Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control by 9:56 p.m. and fully extinguished them by 10:32 p.m., according to local fire department officials.

Emergency responders rushed one male resident and two women, all in their 60s, to nearby hospitals after finding them in cardiac arrest.

Officials also reported that 20 individuals suffered serious injuries, including full-body burns and loss of consciousness, while 42 others experienced minor injuries from smoke inhalation.

In addition, rescue teams safely evacuated 23 residents who had fled to the rooftop to escape the smoke.

Investigators have launched a probe into the cause of the fire, including the possibility of it being related to electric vehicles, as some have speculated. (Yonhap)