South Korea Fitness Center Fire Leaves Dozens Dead
A fire broke out at an eight-story building housing a fitness facility in Jecheon, southeast of Seoul, on December 21. Authorities reported at least 29 casualties as a result of the blaze.
The fire began just before 4 pm and quickly spread through the structure, which housed a gym, driving range, public sauna and a number of restaurants. Authorities reported that a fire that started from a vehicle in the basement parking lot was to blame, according to South Korea outlet Yonhap News.
Fire officials reported that most of the victims were trapped in the sauna on the second floor, where 15 people were found dead.
A nearby resident recorded the scene in multiple videos that show the building ablaze, with black plumes of smoke rising from it, as well as firefighters and police on the scene. Credit: Facebook/Mel-Chris Mehrer-Brockie via Storyful
