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Seoul, Oct. 9 (AP): A fire spread through a high-rise apartment building due to high winds in a South Korean port city that left dozens of people slightly injured, authorities said Friday.
Footage from the scene in Ulsan showed a huge ball of orange flames rising through the 33-story building and shooting through the roof as fire crews tried to put out the fire from below.
The fire broke out between floors 8 and 12 of the Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building, which has around 120 homes and commercial units.
There were no immediate reports of serious injuries or deaths.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated when the fire broke out, while workers rescued another 77 who had escaped to the roof or other spaces.
The South Korean Ministry of Interior and Security said at least 88 people were treated for minor injuries such as scratches or mild smoke inhalation.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which they said started on a balcony on one of the lower floors Thursday night and spread around the outside of the building amid strong winds.
The fire almost went out at 9 a.m. Friday.
The BBC reported that the South Korean news agency said strong winds made it difficult to control the fire.
A witness said Yonhap news agency: “Suddenly the fire started. The windows were smashed and the living room and bedroom were lit up.
Another said YTN News of “exterior material”, possibly insulation, adhered to the exterior of the building that caused the fire to spread rapidly.
Authorities have not confirmed what caused the fire. – AP
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