DHAKA: At least 21 people have died in a fire at hospital for the elderly in southwestern South Korea, the National Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday morning.

Police said they were questioning a man in his 80s in connection with possible arson at the facility.

The death toll included one nurse. Seven people were injured, six seriously, the agency reported. Seven people were evacuated from the second floor of the building, which was separate from the main hospital.

The fire started just after midnight. There was no word how it started.

The semi-official state news agency Yonhap, citing police and fire officials, said heavy fumes caused victims to choke.

The hospital, which is in the province of South Jeolla, has a total of 324 patients.

Source: CNN

BDST: 0930 HRS, MAY 28, 2014