This photo is not directly related to this article. (123rf)
This photo is not directly related to this article. (123rf)

A fire broke out at a psychiatric hospital in Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of 227 people and injuring one.

According to the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the fire broke out at around 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday in Jangheung-myeon, located within the city of Yangju. The fire reportedly originated at an employee cafeteria while workers were preparing a meal.

A female employee in her 50s sustained a first-degree burn to her hands, but no additional casualties were reported. The flames were extinguished in 20 minutes.

All 210 patients as well as the staff inside the building at the time successfully evacuated.

Authorities are conducting an investigation on the exact cause of the fire.


minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com