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Fire engulfs traditional market in Daegu

November 30, 2016

DAEGU, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) — Fire engulfed a traditional market in the country’s southeastern city of Daegu on Wednesday, destroying hundreds of shops and injuring two firefighters, authorities said.

The fire broke out at one of six commercial buildings of Seomun Market, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, at around 2:10 a.m., according to authorities.

Some hundreds of firefighters were dispatched to put out the fire, but the flames have not been contained as of 4 p.m., local authorities said.

They said an entire building was gutted, along with some 840 shops, with two security guards who were at the site managing to escape to the roof where they were later rescued. Besides the two firefighters, no one was hurt.

The fire started at the first floor of the building, but police said they need to carry out a detailed examination of the site to determine the exact cause.

The local fire department said it is restricting citizens from approaching the market.

The country’s safety minister Park In-yong visited the market earlier in the day and said he will review possible measures to support the merchants.

Thick smoke billows from the Seomun traditional market in Daegu, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Nov. 30, 2016, as a fire rips through it. About 840 shops were reduced to ashes, with two firefighters sustaining injuries.

Thick smoke billows from the Seomun traditional market in Daegu, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Nov. 30, 2016, as a fire rips through it. About 840 shops were reduced to ashes, with two firefighters sustaining injuries.