Flames and heavy smoke billow from the Banyan Tree hotel construction site in Busan on Friday, as emergency crews work to contain the blaze. (Yonhap)
Flames and heavy smoke billow from the Banyan Tree hotel construction site in Busan on Friday, as emergency crews work to contain the blaze. (Yonhap)

Eight workers were transported to hospitals in cardiac arrest after a fire broke out at a construction site in the southeastern port city of Busan on Friday.

Around 10 workers were reportedly at the construction site of the Banyan Tree hotel when the fire started at approximately 10:50 a.m.

Firefighters rescued those trapped inside using helicopters, with some requiring CPR.

Authorities have raised the fire response level to Level 2 of the three-tier system amid concerns over rising casualties. (Yonhap)