Two people died and six others were injured after a fire broke out in a 20-story [5] apartment building in Uiwang, South Korea.

The incident underscores the ongoing risks of high-rise residential fires in densely populated urban areas, where evacuation challenges can increase casualties.

The fire began around 10:30 a.m. [3] on April 30, 2026, in a residential unit on the 14th floor [6] of a building located in Naesondong. The victims were identified as a married couple, consisting of a man in his 60s and his wife in her 50s [1]. Six other residents sustained moderate injuries [2].

Firefighting crews responded to the emergency. Fire authorities issued a Level 1 response 15 minutes [8] after receiving the initial report. The blaze was extinguished after approximately two hours [4].

During the operation, emergency responders evacuated 11 people [7] from the building. A reporter for YTN, Jung Young-soo, said the exterior walls of the apartment were blackened, particularly around the 14th floor where the fire originated.

Authorities have not yet reported the exact cause of the fire. The investigation into the origin of the blaze continues as officials examine the damaged unit on the 14th floor.

“Two people died and six others were injured after a fire broke out in a 20-story apartment building.”

The speed of the emergency response—issuing a Level 1 alert within 15 minutes—likely prevented a higher death toll in a 20-story structure. However, the fatality of two residents in the unit of origin highlights the critical window for escape in high-rise fires before smoke and flames block exit routes.