Car parts factory fire kills 10 in Daejeon, 59 injured
At least 10 killed and 59 injured after a massive fire at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea; rescue operations continue amid explosion risks.
Daejeon (The Uttam Hindu): A massive fire broke out at a car parts factory in Daejeon, located in central South Korea, late Saturday night, killing at least 10 people and injuring 59 others. Among the injured, 25 are reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue operations and casualties
According to officials, the fire erupted during the day, and by 5 a.m. on Saturday, the disaster management department confirmed 10 deaths. Of the injured, 34 sustained minor injuries, while 25 seriously injured individuals are undergoing treatment.
Reports said that around 170 workers were present in the factory at the time of the incident. During rescue operations, one body was recovered from the second floor and three from the third floor. Four people are still missing, and search operations are ongoing.
Challenges in firefighting efforts
Firefighters faced significant difficulties in controlling the blaze and conducting rescue work. Due to the risk of the building collapsing, immediate entry into the structure was not possible. Additionally, the presence of approximately 200 kilograms of sodium inside the factory increased the risk of explosions.
Government response and investigation
Considering the severity of the incident, President Lee Jae Myung directed authorities to intensify rescue efforts using all available resources, personnel, and modern equipment. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been initiated.