According to authorities, the fire began around 7:39 p.m. (1039 GMT) on the eighth floor of the nine-story building and quickly spread to the upper floor, generating thick smoke. The blaze was fully extinguished at 10:26 p.m., nearly three hours later. Toxic fumes were attributed to the main cause of the casualties.
Initial investigations indicate that the fire is suspected to have started in a room on the eighth floor, as the occupant of that room had earlier reported a burning smell and requested to be moved.
Most victims were found in rooms, corridors, and stairwells on the eighth and ninth floors. Two victims -- a man and a woman -- jumped from the eighth floor onto an air mat set up by firefighters but did not survive due to the impact. "The air mat was installed correctly but flipped over after they jumped," an official said.
The 64-room hotel, built in 2003, did not have sprinklers in the rooms as the law requiring them in buildings six stories or higher was enacted only in 2017. At the time of the fire, 27 guests were staying at the hotel.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
