Investigation Launched Following Deadly Fire at Busan Hotel Construction Site
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Synopsis
Authorities in Busan have initiated an investigation into a tragic fire at a hotel construction site that resulted in six fatalities and injuries to 27 others. The fire, which broke out on Friday, is under scrutiny for potential causes linked to welding and flammable materials.
Key Takeaways
- Joint investigation launched into hotel fire.
- Six workers tragically lost their lives.
- 27 others sustained injuries.
- Fire attributed to insulating materials and welding.
- Labour ministry mandates safety checks at sites.
Busan, Feb 16 (NationPress) Authorities commenced a collaborative on-site investigation on Sunday regarding a devastating fire at a hotel construction site in the southeastern port city of Busan, which tragically claimed the lives of six workers and left 27 others injured.
The fire, which affected the Banyan Tree hotel that was under construction, ignited on Friday morning, likely due to insulating materials stacked near a swimming pool on the first floor of one of the three buildings at the site, as reported by officials.
Authorities indicated that the investigation will primarily aim to determine the cause of death for the six victims located on the first floor, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Officials are also expected to examine whether the fire was sparked by flammable materials igniting during welding procedures.
Construction for this luxurious resort began in April 2022, with its opening anticipated in the initial half of this year.
In response to the incident at the hotel construction site in Busan, the labour ministry mandated safety inspections across approximately 1,000 construction sites.
The ministry will carry out on-site evaluations of sites undergoing final construction phases, particularly those involving insulation materials.
The deceased were discovered at the location where the fire originated, and it is believed that they could not escape due to the presence of numerous flammable materials near the exit.
Firefighters executed rescue operations utilizing helicopters, but unfortunately, six individuals were later declared deceased. Fourteen others were successfully rescued from the roof, while over a hundred workers were evacuated from the vicinity.
Previously, authorities elevated the fire response status to Level 2 of the three-tier system amid rising casualty concerns. Reports indicate that hundreds of workers were present at the site when the fire erupted.
South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered the deployment of all available personnel and equipment to facilitate rescue efforts.
