The incident at the Banyan Tree construction site has prompted an ongoing investigation into its causes and safety measures.
**Tragedy Strikes: Six Dead in South Korea Hotel Construction Blaze**
**Tragedy Strikes: Six Dead in South Korea Hotel Construction Blaze**
A devastating fire at a luxury hotel site in Busan leaves multiple victims and raises safety concerns.
In a tragic turn of events, a fierce fire broke out at a construction site for a luxury hotel in Busan, South Korea, claiming the lives of at least six individuals and injuring 25 others, as confirmed by fire officials on Friday. The blaze erupted around 10:50 a.m. local time, reportedly originating in the swimming pool area of the unfinished 12-story Banyan Tree resort.
According to Gijang County Fire Chief Hong Moon-sik, the fire escalated rapidly, engulfing the premises in thick, dark smoke by the time first responders arrived. The six fatalities were discovered unconscious within the pool area, where burning insulation material generated toxic fumes, complicating evacuation efforts.
The scope of the emergency was extensive, with firefighters rescuing 14 individuals from the rooftop, while others were treated for injuries sustained throughout the building, which includes three basement levels in addition to the upper floors. By 1:30 p.m., fire crews managed to control the blaze, deploying hundreds of firefighters and over 120 fire trucks to the scene.
Chief Hong emphasized that the severity of the incident was exacerbated by the rapid spread of the flames. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire, while the hotel, owned by the Singapore-based Banyan Group, was nearing completion and was slated to open within the year. The company has yet to issue a public statement regarding this incident.
This developing story raises urgent questions about construction safety standards and emergency preparedness in light of such tragedies.
