On the evening of October 26, a large fire broke out in a two-story restaurant in Bukchang-dong, a bustling district in Jung-gu, Seoul, during rush hour. The Central Fire Department received reports of the fire at 6:22 PM, and by 7:30 PM, it had spread to a third-floor annex of the building, prompting a significant response from emergency services. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. However, due to firefighting efforts, traffic was partially restricted along Sejong-daero from Sungnyemun to City Hall.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as thick smoke enveloped the area, causing alarm among citizens and office workers returning home. A 25-year-old diner, who evacuated from a nearby restaurant, noted that the smell of burning quickly filled the air, and the visibility became almost nil due to the smoke. Similarly, a 32-year-old office worker recounted how the pungent odor drew them outside, revealing a street completely shrouded in smoke.

The incident underscores the risks associated with urban establishments during peak hours, highlighting the need for stringent fire safety measures in densely populated areas. As the firefighting operation continues and investigations commence, local authorities are likely to look into the causes and potential preventative protocols to enhance public safety and mitigate similar future incidents.