Daejeon: At least 11 people have been confirmed dead following a significant fire at an automobile parts plant in Daejeon, a central city in the country, local authorities reported on Saturday. Rescue teams recovered the remains of the 11th victim from the plant's remains around noon on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, three individuals remain unaccounted for, while at least 59 people sustained injuries, including two firefighters. The fire broke out at approximately 1:17 p.m. on Friday when 170 workers were present in the facility. Initial efforts by firefighters to enter the building were hampered due to structural collapse concerns. Additionally, 200 kilograms of sodium stored within posed an explosion risk if not handled with care.
The fire was brought under control after approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. Firefighting teams are utilizing heavy machinery to clear debris as they continue their search for missing persons. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, although witnesses noted an explosion preceded the fire's rapid spread.
President Lee Jae Myung has prioritized the full deployment of necessary personnel and resources to manage the situation and aid in rescue efforts.