SEOUL: A devastating fire at a car parts manufacturing plant in Daejeon has claimed at least 14 lives and left around 60 people injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday, marking one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.
The blaze broke out around lunchtime on Friday and raged for hours before being brought under control late at night. Emergency responders initially struggled to enter the building due to fears of structural collapse, while the presence of hazardous materials, including sodium, further complicated firefighting efforts.
Officials said 25 people sustained serious injuries, while another 35 suffered minor wounds. Victims were found across multiple floors of the facility, underscoring the intensity of the fire.
The factory is operated by Anjun Industrial, a supplier of engine components to major automakers including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.
In response to the tragedy, President Lee Jae Myung ordered the mobilization of all available resources, prompting the government to activate a centralized disaster management system.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while the company has pledged full cooperation and a comprehensive review of its safety protocols.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about industrial safety standards and emergency preparedness in manufacturing facilities across the country.
