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Deadly Fire at South Korean Auto Plant Kills 10, Leaves 4 Missing

A devastating fire at an auto parts plant in Daejeon, South Korea, has resulted in 10 fatalities and left 4 workers unaccounted for. The blaze, which broke out on Friday afternoon, also injured 59 people out of the 170 workers present. Firefighting efforts were initially hampered by structural collapse risks and the presence of explosive materials inside the building. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued emergency instructions for a full-scale rescue and firefighting response.

Key Points: South Korea Auto Plant Fire: 10 Dead, 4 Missing in Daejeon

  • 10 confirmed dead
  • 4 workers still missing
  • 59 people injured
  • 170 workers inside during blaze
2 min read

South Korea: 10 dead, 4 unaccounted for, 59 hurt in fire at auto parts plant in Daejeon

A major fire at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, has killed 10 people, injured 59, and left 4 unaccounted for. Search operations continue.

"We plan to tear down the structures... to deploy rescue workers and continue the search for those missing. - Rescue Official"

Daejeon, March 21

Ten people have been killed and four others are still reported missing in a large fire at a car parts plant in South Korea's Daejeon, authorities said Saturday. Another 59 people suffered serious or slight injuries.

Firefighters have been searching for the four people who were unaccounted for when the blaze started.

One of the bodies was found on the second floor of the factory and nine others were found on the third floor, according to authorities.

A total of 170 workers were inside the plant when the fire was reported at around 1:17 p.m. on Friday. The fire prompted the National Fire Agency to issue a national firefighting mobilisation order, which is given when the scale of the fire is deemed to surpass the firefighting capacity of the local government.

Firefighters were earlier unable to enter the structure due to concerns it could collapse. Also complicating the firefighting effort was 200 kilograms of sodium inside the building, which could explode if poorly handled, Yonhap news agency reported.

Authorities said they began overnight search operations at around 10:50 p.m. on Friday after experts determined it was safe for firefighters to enter the building.

An official at the authorities said firefighters plan to make all-out efforts to rescue those who are unaccounted for.

"We plan to tear down the structures where the rescue dogs have already examined to deploy rescue workers and continue the search for those missing," the official said.

On Friday, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok gave emergency instructions to the interior ministry and the fire agency to use all available equipment and personnel to rescue people and extinguish the fire, his office said.

He had ordered the Daejeon metropolitan government and the police to ensure no further damage by implementing traffic control and evacuation measures.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Horrible news. 200 kg of sodium stored inside a factory? That's a major safety lapse. Hope the authorities conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable. Safety cannot be compromised for profits.
D
David E
The scale of this is devastating. A national mobilisation order shows how serious it was. Kudos to the firefighters for working in such dangerous conditions with the risk of collapse and explosion. True heroes.
A
Ananya R
So many workers injured. It makes you think about the migrant workers and daily wage earners in similar factories everywhere. Are evacuation drills even conducted regularly? Praying for the missing four to be found safe.
V
Vikram M
A respectful criticism: While the PM's emergency instructions are good, it's reactive. The focus needs to be on proactive, stringent safety audits for all industrial units, especially those handling hazardous materials. Prevention is better than cure.
S
Sarah B
The detail about rescue dogs is interesting. It shows the multi-faceted approach needed in such disasters. Hope the search operations are successful and bring some closure to the families. Such a terrible loss.

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