A devastating fire at an auto parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, resulted in at least 14 confirmed deaths and left 59 others injured after an explosion likely triggered the blaze. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have confirmed that four people are still missing.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fire broke out around 1:18 p.m. Friday at a factory in the Daedeok district of Daejeon. Thick gray smoke billowed from the complex as the fire spread rapidly. Eyewitnesses reported an explosion prior to the blaze, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
More than 500 emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, were deployed to the scene to contain the fire and conduct rescue efforts.
Rescue teams recovered the remains of 14 people, with nine of the bodies found on what is believed to have been the gym area on the third floor of the building. One body was discovered on the second floor.
Some workers who jumped from the building to escape the flames were among the injured. 28 people were hospitalized, including four who underwent surgeries for broken bones and other injuries caused by the blast or smoke inhalation.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
The blaze completely destroyed the factory building, and firefighters initially could not enter due to concerns that the structure might collapse. Unmanned firefighting robots were deployed to help cool the building and conduct safety checks.
After securing the area, rescuers began searching for the missing workers, believed to be trapped beneath collapsed rubble.
More than 120 firefighting vehicles and specialized equipment, including unmanned water cannon vehicles and two firefighting robots, were used in the operation.
Explosive Chemicals Recovered
The fire also involved highly reactive chemicals. Officials reported that workers had recovered over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of explosive chemicals before the blaze spread. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from reaching an adjacent facility that also housed volatile materials.
Government Response
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for the full mobilization of resources to continue the search and rescue operations and provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
