A tragic fire erupted at a resort construction site in Busan, South Korea, on Friday, claiming the lives of at least six individuals, as confirmed by fire authorities.

Approximately 100 construction workers were able to evacuate the premises on their own, while another 14 were rescued via helicopter from the rooftop, according to Hong Moon-shik, the head of the Busan Gijang District Fire Department.

In response to the incident, hundreds of firefighters were dispatched to the scene and successfully managed to control and extinguish the flames by Friday afternoon, following the initial report of the fire at around 10:20 a.m.

Tragically, six individuals were discovered unconscious on the first floor of the building, close to the area where the fire reportedly began. Sadly, all six were later declared dead at local hospitals. Additionally, around 25 other workers sustained minor injuries during the chaos.

The precise cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

Footage broadcast on television displayed thick, dark smoke and flames issuing from the construction site, alongside a helicopter aiding in rescue efforts.

In light of the emergency, the acting president of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, promptly directed officials to mobilize “all available personnel and equipment” to combat the fire effectively.