[Anchor]

A fire broke out at an apartment building in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, this afternoon (August 11), leaving a mother in her 60s and her son in their 30s dead. It has been reported that the son had been caring for his mother, who had a disability.

Here is more from reporter An Huijae.

[Reporter]

Crimson flames and thick black smoke billowed continuously.

Structures unable to withstand the heat collapsed powerlessly amid explosive sounds, and firefighters who arrived shortly after poured water continuously.

The fire report at an apartment complex in Gayang-dong, Seoul, was received at around 4:50 PM, stating that flames instantly surged from the 15th floor.

[Witness: When I opened the door to the opposite side, smoke was rising all the way from the 15th floor. Police cars came, and there were about ten-plus fire trucks...]

Although the fire was completely extinguished in about an hour and 10 minutes, a 61-year-old mother, identified as A, and her 38-year-old son, identified as B, who lived in the burned unit, were found dead in the apartment's first-floor flower bed.

As a basic livelihood security recipient household, A suffered from a brain lesion disability and was being cared for by her husband and son B. The fire broke out while the husband was away.

[Witness: It went bang, bang twice like a gas explosion. There were three family members, and I think the husband was outside...]

One resident in their 60s living nearby also received hospital treatment after inhaling smoke, and around 40 residents had to evacuate in an emergency.

Along with investigating the exact cause of the fire, police and fire authorities are looking into the circumstances of the accident, including whether the mother and son fell out of the window while trying to escape the flames.

(Photo courtesy of Yonhap News)
(Video Reporter: Bae Moon-san, Video Editor: Yu Mi-ra, Footage Provided by Viewer)