Tunnel fire in South Korea kills 6

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least six people were killed during a fire inside a tunnel expressway in South Korea, said local press reports Thursday.

Twenty others people were injured in the fire, which took place in a noise barrier tunnel. The injured are being treated amid fears the death toll might rise.

The incident happened in Gwacheon, just south of the capital Seoul, Yonhap News reported.

Early reports suggest the fire started after a bus and a truck collided, with the fire spreading inside the tunnel, which connects South Korea’s western port city of Incheon to the city of Seongnam.

A massive rescue and relief operation is going on, with around 50 fire trucks, 140 fire personnel, and helicopters.