A massive fire broke out in a slum in Seoul’s Gangnam district, prompting a massive response, with 47 residents evacuated amid concerns it could spread to a nearby mountain.
soul: About 300 South Korean firefighters were deployed to battle a massive blaze that broke out in a deprived area of the upscale Gangnam district on Friday.
Confirming the operation, a fire official said no casualties have been reported so far.
The Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters said 47 residents were evacuated from the scene.
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Authorities raised the fire alert to the second-highest level due to concerns that it could spread to a nearby mountain.
A total of 85 fire engines were dispatched to the area known as Guryeong Village.
Authorities could not deploy firefighting helicopters as the city was shrouded in haze and fine dust.
South Korean Security Minister Yun Ho-jung ordered the full deployment of all available personnel and equipment.
He instructed the teams to focus solely on saving lives and extinguishing the fire, according to Yonhap news agency.
Guryeong Village is an area of dilapidated housing in one of the wealthiest districts of Seoul.
The slum area is earmarked for redevelopment into high-rise residential buildings. – Reuters
