At about 10:27 a.m. on the 21st, a fire broke out in a unit at Hanyang Apartment in Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
According to fire authorities, about 20 residents evacuated on their own to places such as a senior center, and three people who stayed in the building where the fire occurred were rescued by responding firefighters.
A woman in her 70s complained of dizziness from smoke inhalation but was reported to be out of danger. No other casualties were confirmed.
Fire authorities deployed personnel and equipment and brought the main blaze under control about 20 minutes after the fire started. The fire was completely extinguished at about 12:05 p.m., about an hour and 40 minutes later.
It was reported that fire engines had difficulty securing the initial access route because of parked cars inside the complex during their approach. Traffic congestion also continued on roads near the complex.
Police and fire authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire based on residents' statements that there was a "bang" at the time of the blaze.
Hanyang Apartment is an aging complex completed in 1978 and now in its 48th year.