Credited from: SCMP
A significant fire broke out at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, injuring at least 55 individuals, including 24 seriously, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia. President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the mobilization of all available resources to manage the fire and ensure the safety of those involved.
The National Fire Agency noted that the blaze could potentially worsen as firefighters struggle to contain it due to structural collapse concerns. Reports indicate that a significant explosion could have ignited the fire, seriously endangering those within the factory at the time, according to South China Morning Post. Additionally, a search is underway for approximately 14 individuals unaccounted for inside the facility.
Emergency teams, comprising more than 500 firefighters, police, and other personnel, have employed extensive resources, including evacuation aircraft and sophisticated firefighting technology, to combat the flames and prevent them from spreading to adjacent facilities. Eyewitness reports describe thick smoke and the terrifying moment when some workers reportedly jumped from the building to escape the fire, as stated by South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.