SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – A tragic fire incident occurred at a resort construction site in Busan, South Korea, on Friday, resulting in the death of at least four individuals, according to fire officials. The catastrophic event took place around 10:20 a.m., prompting immediate action from emergency services.

Approximately 100 workers who were present at the construction site managed to evacuate before the situation escalated. However, the chaotic circumstances raised concerns about whether any workers might still be trapped within the burning structure. To combat the inferno, about 90 firefighters were deployed to the scene, working tirelessly to extinguish the flames and ensure the safety of any remaining personnel.

The Busan fire agency reported that six individuals were taken to hospitals, suffering from cardiac arrest due to the fire's intensity. Tragically, four of these individuals were confirmed dead upon arrival at medical facilities. In addition to those deceased, four others sustained minor injuries during the incident, highlighting the urgent need for emergency response in such perilous situations.

Television footage captured the dire scene, showcasing thick gray-black smoke and flames billowing from the construction site. A helicopter was also seen approaching the building, playing a crucial role in the ongoing rescue efforts as officials worked diligently to address the crisis.

The acting president of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, took immediate action in response to the calamity. He instructed relevant officials to deploy "all available personnel and equipment" to assist in extinguishing the fire and managing the unfolding emergency. This directive reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of affected individuals and to mitigating similar incidents in the future.

This incident underscores the inherent dangers present in construction sites, particularly in large-scale projects such as resort developments. Safety protocols must be upheld rigorously to prevent such incidents from occurring, ensuring a secure working environment for all employees engaged in construction activities.

While investigations will likely follow to determine the cause of the fire, the immediate focus remains on assisting those impacted by this tragedy. The response from firefighters and emergency services has been commendable under severe pressure, and their efforts are currently pivotal in managing the aftermath of this devastating event.