16 feared dead after South Korean fire
AP Seoul A fire broke out today at an eight- story building in the central South Korean city of Jecheon, leaving one person confirmed dead and 15 others unresponsive and presumed dead, South Korean officials said.
A fire department official from North Chungcheong province said the status of the 15 had not yet been confirmed by doctors. He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing office rules.
The official said at least 16 others are being treated for injuries, and rescue workers are searching the building for people after extinguishing the fire.
Local media showed firefighters fighting the blaze with trucks and helicopters, and a man jumping from a window as firefighters held a mattress below.
It was unclear what caused the fire but it likely began at the building's parking lot, according to an official from Jecheon's fire department, who also requested anonymity. The building had several restaurants and leisure facilities, including a gym, public bath and an indoor golf practice facility, the official said.