At least 14 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating fire at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Daejeon, authorities in South Korea said, as rescue teams completed search operations at the heavily damaged site.
The blaze, which erupted Friday afternoon, is believed to have been triggered by an explosion and quickly spread throughout the facility, trapping workers inside and forcing some to jump from upper floors to escape.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Emergency responders recovered all victims from the charred remains of the المصنع by Saturday. Officials reported that at least 59 people were injured, including dozens with serious conditions, though the exact number of critical cases remains unclear.
Several victims were found in clusters inside the building, including a group located in a third-floor gym area and others near a water tank on a lower level. Authorities confirmed that all previously missing workers have now been accounted for.
Massive Emergency Response
More than 500 firefighters, police officers, and rescue personnel were deployed to contain the blaze and search for survivors. Due to the risk of structural collapse, crews initially relied on specialized equipment, including unmanned firefighting robots, to cool the building before entering.
Firefighters also worked to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby facilities and to secure hazardous materials stored داخل الموقع. Officials said over 100 kilograms of highly reactive chemicals were safely removed during the operation.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
Many of the injured suffered from smoke inhalation, while others were hurt after leaping from the building in a desperate attempt to survive. At least 28 people were hospitalized, with several undergoing surgery for fractures and other serious injuries.
Investigation Underway
Fire authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the explosion, though witness accounts suggest a sudden blast preceded the rapid spread of fire. Investigators are examining the site to identify potential safety failures or hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the incident.
Government Response
Lee Jae Myung visited the scene on Saturday, offering condolences to victims’ families and calling for strengthened safety measures to prevent similar disasters. He also urged officials to ensure the structural stability of the damaged building during ongoing recovery efforts.
Industrial Safety Concerns Raised
The tragedy has renewed concerns about workplace safety standards in industrial facilities, particularly those handling flammable or explosive materials. Experts say stricter enforcement and improved emergency preparedness may be necessary to reduce the risk of future incidents.
