Tragic Fire at South Korean Lithium Battery Factory Claims Over 20 Lives
Desk Report, June 24, 2024: A devastating fire at a lithium battery manufacturing factory in Hwaseong, near Seoul, claimed the lives of at least 20 people on Monday morning, according to reports from Yonhap news agency. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time (7:00 a.m. IST).
Kim Jin-young, a local firefighter, confirmed that rescue operations are currently underway. Firefighters have managed to extinguish the largest blaze at the site and are in the process of recovering bodies from the charred remains of the building.
In a televised briefing, Kim disclosed that 23 individuals were initially reported missing. However, identifying the victims has proven challenging due to the destruction of the staff register in the fire. Among the missing are foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens. Authorities have traced mobile phone signals of the missing individuals to the second floor of the factory.
South Korean media reported that approximately 67 employees were present at the facility when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are focused on accounting for all individuals and ensuring the safety of those affected by this tragic event.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures in industrial facilities, particularly those dealing with highly combustible materials like lithium batteries. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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