Seoul: A fire broke out in a densely populated slum area of ??Gangnam, South Korea. Nearly 300 South Korean firefighters have been deployed to battle the massive blaze in the upscale residential and business district in southern Seoul.

According to Thai News Agency, officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Disaster and Fire Prevention Agency revealed there are currently no reports of injuries or fatalities, but at least 47 residents from Guryong Village have been evacuated to safety. Meanwhile, Yonhap News Agency, citing fire officials, reported that approximately 110 people were affected by the fire.

The fire started at approximately 5:10 AM local time, two hours ahead of Thailand time, prompting authorities to raise the fire alert level to the second highest level. Firefighters expressed concern over the flames potentially spreading to nearby mountainous areas. Photographs from the scene showed large plumes of black smoke rising and covering the area, with images of elderly people wearing face masks as they evacuated the area urgently.

Authorities dispatched 85 fire trucks to the scene but stated helicopter support could not be provided due to thick smog and particulate matter covering Seoul. South Korean Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung ordered all available personnel and equipment to be mobilized, focusing on saving lives and extinguishing the fire with full force.

Guryong Village, a densely populated area with dilapidated houses, is located in the heart of Gangnam District. It is currently undergoing demolition plans to make way for high-rise residential buildings in the future. Although most residents have moved out to accommodate the development, according to the Gangnam District Planning Department, approximately 336 households still reside in the area.