Fierce blaze in S. Korean karaoke bar kills 9May 6, 2012 - 10:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A fierce blaze swept through a karaoke lounge in the South Korean city of Busan, killing nine people including three Sri Lankans, police said on Sunday, May 5. According to AFP, the fire, which broke out on Saturday night, injured 25 others who were taken to hospital for treatment. One is in a critical condition. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before smoke quickly engulfed the bar, which has 28 rooms and is on the third floor of a six-storey building in the southern port city. The dead included three Sri Lankan workers who were holding a company party with Korean colleagues, a police spokesman in Busan told AFP. "Three migrant Sri Lankan workers and three Korean workers from a factory in Busan were found dead," he said, declining to give their identities. South Korean companies hire tens of thousands of manual workers from other Asian countries because more and more South Koreans are shunning dirty and dangerous jobs. Smoke and fumes spread quickly after the blaze started in one of the karaoke rooms, making it hard for people to find the exits. The victims died from inhaling toxic gases, the police spokesman said. About 100 firefighters battled the blaze and rescued 35 people, some of them from the top of the building, he said. It was not immediately clear what started the fire and an investigation is under way. "Firefighters believe the fire might have been caused by a short circuit," the spokesman said. In January 2009, at least eight people were killed in a fire in another karaoke lounge in Busan. Investigators blamed lax fire precautions and suspected staff negligence for the blaze, which gutted the basement bar in the Yongdo district. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |