Northeastern Gyeongbuk Engulfed in Flames... 15 Dead

by Kim Yongu

Published 26 Mar.2025 07:53(KST)

Updated 31 Jul.2025 18:19(KST)

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2 Dead in Andong,
3 in Cheongsong,
4 in Yeongyang,
6 in Yeongdeok

The wildfire in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province has continued for five days, increasing the death toll to 15 in four nearby cities and counties, including Andong.

According to the forestry authorities and police on the 26th, since the wildfire broke out in Uiseong-gun on the 22nd, a total of 15 people have died as of 7 a.m. today, including 2 in Andong, 3 in Cheongsong, 4 in Yeongyang, and 6 in Yeongdeok.

The victims were found on roads and in residential yards, and are believed to have died while trying to evacuate.

On the 25th, a fire is spreading in the hills near Namsun-myeon, Andong City, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

Among the four victims in Yeongyang-gun, three burnt bodies?a man and a woman?were discovered on a road and in a vehicle around 11 p.m. on the 25th. It was determined that these men and women in their 50s and 60s, who were family members, died after their car overturned while evacuating together.

In Yeongdeok-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, it was reported that three people died when their vehicle crashed into a tree and exploded while evacuating from the wildfire.

In Cheongsong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, two elderly people in their 70s and 80s were found dead in their home, unable to escape the fire in time.

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The police and fire authorities believe the victims either suffocated from the rapidly spreading wildfire and smoke or were killed in car accidents while evacuating, and are investigating the exact circumstances of the incidents.