Old commercial building in central Seoul catches fire
Smoke rises from a building on fire near Euljiro 3-ga Station in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
An old commercial building in central Seoul caught fire Wednesday, and firefighters were battling the blaze, authorities said.
The fire broke out in the building in Jung District at 3:25 p.m., but efforts to contain it were delayed due to the density of buildings in the neighborhood and narrow alleys, a firefighting official said.
No casualties have been reported so far.
A man in his 70s who inhaled smoke was transported to a hospital, officials said.
Fire authorities closed a nearby road, causing traffic congestion in the area.
The fire is believed to have started in a warehouse and spread gradually.
Authorities issued a Level 2 emergency response at 4:37 p.m., mobilizing 100 vehicles, five excavators and 446 personnel to extinguish the blaze.