Daejeon, March 21: A devastating fire at an auto parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, has resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, with four others still unaccounted for. Officials reported on Saturday that 59 people sustained injuries, ranging from serious to minor.
Firefighters are actively searching for the four missing individuals who were inside the facility when the blaze erupted.
According to authorities, one body was discovered on the second floor of the factory, while the other nine were found on the third floor.
The fire broke out at 1:17 PM on Friday, when 170 employees were present in the plant. Due to the severity of the situation, the National Fire Agency issued a nationwide firefighting mobilization order, which is enacted when a fire exceeds local capabilities.
Firefighters initially faced challenges entering the building due to concerns about structural collapse. Additionally, the presence of 200 kilograms of sodium inside the facility complicated firefighting efforts, as mishandling could lead to explosions.
After experts deemed it safe to enter the building, search operations commenced at 10:50 PM on Friday. An official stated that firefighters are committed to making every effort to rescue the missing individuals.
“We plan to demolish structures that have already been inspected by rescue dogs to allow rescuers to be deployed and continue the search for the missing,” the official added.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-sok has directed the Ministry of Interior and the Fire Agency to utilize all available resources and personnel for rescue and firefighting efforts.
The Prime Minister also instructed the Daejeon metropolitan administration and police to implement traffic control and evacuation measures to prevent further damage.
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