In brief
A devastating fire erupted at a Banyan Tree resort construction site in Busan, South Korea, leading to significant casualties and leaving many in the community in shock.
At least six people lost their lives and 25 were injured in a fire at a luxury hotel construction site in Busan, South Korea, on Friday. The fire broke out around 10:50 a.m. local time in the swimming pool area of the 12-story unfinished Banyan Tree resort. According to fire officials, the blaze spread rapidly, generating dark smoke that hampered evacuation efforts. Victims were discovered unconscious in the pool area, where insulation materials ignited and emitted thick fumes. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, retrieving 14 individuals from the rooftop and treating the wounded throughout the building, which features three basement levels. By 1:30 p.m., firefighters contained the blaze after deploying hundreds of personnel and over 120 fire trucks. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it spread before responders arrived. The hotel, nearing completion and set to open this year, is owned by the Singapore-based Banyan Group.
