A devastating fire erupted at the Banyan Tree Hotel construction site in Gijang County, Busan, on February 14, at approximately 10:51 AM. The tragic incident has resulted in the deaths of six individuals and left 27 others injured.
The Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters issued an initial 'Level 1 Response' at 11:10 AM, later upgrading to a 'Level 2 Response' around noon. Firefighting helicopters were deployed to assist in containing the blaze.
A 'Level 1 Response' mobilizes all personnel from the local fire department, while a 'Level 2 Response' calls in reinforcements from 8 to 14 nearby fire stations, dispatching between 51 and 80 fire engines and other essential firefighting equipment.
Six people were discovered in a state of cardiac arrest and were later confirmed dead. Additionally, 27 individuals sustained various injuries.
Fourteen people who had taken refuge on the building’s rooftop were successfully rescued by firefighting helicopters.
Approximately 100 people at the site were able to evacuate on their own. Authorities are continuing efforts to fully extinguish the fire and are investigating the cause of the incident.
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