2 dead, 6 injured in S. Korea apartment fire; note found prompts arson probe

SEOUL – Two people died and six others were injured after a fire broke out at a 20-storey apartment building in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, in South Korea, on April 30, with the authorities now investigating whether the blaze was deliberately set.

The blaze broke out at around 10.30am inside a unit on the 14th floor of an apartment building in the Naeson-dong neighbourhood and was put out at about 12.35pm, more than two hours later.

A man in his 60s who lived in the unit was pronounced dead after he was believed to have fallen from the building while evacuating, according to the authorities.

Investigators later reportedly found a note believed to have been left by the man. It is said to have referred to financial difficulties and pessimism about his circumstances.

Investigators are now looking into the exact circumstances of his death.

His wife, in her 50s, was later found dead inside the 14th-floor unit by emergency workers during rescue operations.

Six other residents suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.

A total of 11 people were evacuated from the building.

The fire authorities earlier issued a Level 1 response amid concerns about possible multiple casualties and deployed 110 personnel and 37 pieces of equipment to the scene.

A Level 1 response mobilises all personnel and equipment from the local fire station and can bring in support from up to four nearby fire stations if needed. The alert can be raised to Level 2 or 3 depending on the scale of the fire and damage.

A large plume of black smoke rose from the building at one point, prompting multiple calls to the emergency number 119.

Uiwang city sent a safety alert to residents, advising those near the apartment in Naeson-dong to stay cautious.

Police and the fire authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, keeping open several possibilities, including arson. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK