A fire broke out at an eight-story commercial building in southern Seoul on Friday afternoon, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. Video footage showed several people trapped on the roof awaiting rescue.
According to fire authorities, they received a report of the fire in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, around 4:40 p.m., and arrived at the scene within an hour. It is said that about 300 people were inside the building at the time of the fire.
Responders said they rescued 240 people and 70 more people evacuated the building on their own. No deaths were reported, but about 30 people were hospitalized with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.
Footage from local news channels showed the lower part of the building engulfed in flames. Black smoke billowed out of the windows, and people gathered on the roof of the building, waiting for rescue.
Officials said the fire started on the first floor, but have not yet released an official cause. The building has 5 floors underground.