Investigative authorities have begun a full investigation into the cause of the fire at the Banyan Tree Hotel construction site in Busan.
On the 15th, the Busan Police Agency formed a dedicated team for the Banyan Tree fire incident and is accelerating the investigation. A team of about 30 members was assembled, led by the head of the criminal investigation unit of the Busan Police Agency, including personnel from the scientific investigation unit. The Eastern District Prosecutor's Office in Busan has also established a dedicated investigative team, comprising 10 prosecutors and 15 investigators, with the district chief serving as the Deputy Minister.
The targets of the investigation by the prosecution and police are expected to include the construction corporation Samjeong and subcontractors that employed the deceased worker. The police plan to confirm the circumstances surrounding the fire by questioning workers who evacuated from the first floor at the time.
On the morning of the 16th, the police, scientific investigation team, fire authorities, National Forensic Service, and National Disaster Management Institute will conduct a joint investigation.
Earlier, around 10:51 a.m. the previous day, a fire broke out at the construction site of 'Banyan Tree Haeundae Busan,' near Orandae Park in the Osiria Tourist Complex, Gijang-gun, Busan, resulting in the deaths of six workers and injuries to 27 others due to smoke inhalation. Immediately following the fire, around 100 people evacuated, and 14 individuals who fled to the roof were rescued by a fire helicopter.