Pope praying for victims of fire in South Korea hospital

Pope Francis has expressed solidarity and said he is praying for victims and all those affected by a tragic fire in a hospital in South Korea that killed at least 37 people and injured many more.

In a telegramme sent by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the Pope’s behalf, Francis said he is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and of injuries caused by the outbreak of the fire in Sejong Hospital, Miryang.

He expressed heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy and said he is praying especially for the repose of the deceased and for the healing of those injured. 

Pope Francis also offered encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this disaster, and upon all he invoked the divine blessings of strength and consolation.

The blaze is thought to have started in the emergency room at Sejong Hospital in the south-eastern city of Miryang.

Nearly 200 mostly elderly patients were inside the building and an adjoining nursing home when the fire broke out in the morning.