At least 2 dead, dozens injured in Uijeongbu fire

A fire broke out at an apartment building in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province Saturday killing at least two and injuring more than 70 people.

One of the individuals killed by the fire reported to be a woman in her 50s. The other is a 26-year old woman identified by the surname Han.

According to the emergency services and witnesses, the fire started in a vehicle in the above-ground parking lot of the building. 

The apartment building is shrouded in smoke in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province on Saturday. Yonhap

The fire quickly spread up the building, and flames are said to have blocked the main entrance hampering residents’ escape.

A number of residents jumped from various floors to escape the blaze. Of the 30 or so residents taken to nearby hospitals, eight are said to be in critical condition.

With the building backed by rail tracks, firemen were experiencing difficulties extinguishing the blaze.

A large number of residents were rescued by helicopter from the roof of the building, and at least 12 vehicles are reported to have been destroyed.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)