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Fire breaks out at hotel: 7 dead, 12 injured

Seven people lost their lives and 12 were injured in a fire that broke out at a 9-story hotel in the city of Bucheon, South Korea.

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A fire broke out in a room on the 8th floor of a 9-story hotel in the city of Bucheon, South Korea, at approximately 19:39 local time.

As corridors were rapidly filled with smoke, 70 vehicles, 160 firefighters, and medical teams were dispatched to the scene. The fire department stated that 7 people lost their lives and 12 others were injured.

It was reported that 2 of those who lost their lives died after jumping onto an inflatable rescue cushion deployed by firefighting teams.

The fire, which is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, was brought under control in approximately 4 hours. Although the fire did not spread to the entire building, it was stated that the damage was extensive due to the lack of a "sprinkler" fire suppression system in the rooms.

LACK OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM IN ROOMS

It was learned that the building was constructed in 2003, before fire suppression systems became mandatory in the country.

It was reported that a guest smelled smoke after entering room 810, where the fire started, and was subsequently moved to a different room.

While an investigation into the incident has been launched, it was noted that the fire department's use of the inflatable rescue cushion is also being investigated.