(LEAD) 1 killed, 12 injured in Busan apartment fire

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BUSAN, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- A fire broke out at an apartment building in the southeastern city of Busan on Tuesday, leaving one dead and 12 injured, fire authorities said.

The fire started at around 6:50 a.m. on the 12th floor of a 24-story apartment building in the northern ward of Geumjeong in the city, some 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

One person in his or her 50s was found dead on the 12th floor, while 12 others, including a son of the dead, have been sent to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation, according to fire officials.

Other residents have been evacuated by firefighters who arrived at the scene, after a 13th-floor resident reported smoke coming from the lower floor.

The blaze did not spread to other rooms and was completely put out in about 40 minutes, fire officials said.

Police and fire authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire.

nyway@yna.co.kr
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