Early‑morning blaze claims teenage life and injures three residents fire erupted at 6:18 a.m. on February 24 in the Eunma Apartments complex in Daechi‑dong, Gangnam Ward, killing a teenage girl and wounding three others, two of whom suffered facial burns [1][2]. Smoke filled the building, prompting the evacuation of roughly 70 occupants, and an upstairs neighbor reported breathing difficulties [1][2]. The injured were treated for non‑life‑threatening injuries and released from hospital care later that day [1][2].

Firefighters achieve containment within thirty minutes Fire crews arrived promptly, brought the blaze under control in about half an hour, and fully extinguished the flames by 7:36 a.m. [1][2]. Rapid suppression limited structural damage to the affected unit and prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent apartments [1][2]. No additional casualties occurred after the initial response, and the building remained safe for re‑entry after inspection [1][2].

Police and fire services begin cause investigation while redevelopment proceeds Authorities announced joint investigations by police and the firefighting service to determine the fire’s origin and assess property loss [1]. The incident occurs amid long‑standing controversy over the 1979‑built complex, which has a redevelopment plan approved last year for 5,893 new units across 49‑floor towers slated for completion by 2030 [1]. Officials reaffirm commitment to the reconstruction schedule despite the fire, emphasizing safety upgrades in the upcoming project [1].