SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people have been confirmed dead in a South Korean big fire accident in the country's southeastern city, according to local media reports.

The fire broke out in an eight-story fitness center building in Jecheon city, North Chungcheong province, 168 km southeast of capital Seoul.

The victims all stayed at a public sauna in the second floor of the building.