A significant fire erupted at a South Korean lithium battery factory on Monday, resulting in one confirmed fatality and 21 individuals currently unaccounted for amidst ongoing efforts to contain the blaze.
The facility, owned by Aricell, a prominent South Korean primary battery manufacturer, is situated in Hwaseong, located just south of Seoul, the capital.
Firefighter Kim Jin-young stated to the media that rescue operations have been hindered by the persistent intensity of the fire.
“We are unable to enter the premises for rescue operations until the fire is brought under control,” Kim explained.
Concerns heightened as the whereabouts of 21 workers remained unknown, prompting plans to track them using company-provided contact information.
According to Kim, the factory employed an estimated 67 workers, although an exact count was still pending confirmation.
Tragically, one person lost their life, while another sustained severe burns.
The incident reportedly began with an explosion in a battery cell on the second floor, triggering subsequent explosions within the facility.
The factory, known to store approximately 35,000 battery cells on its second floor and additional batteries elsewhere, posed significant challenges due to the highly combustible nature of lithium batteries.
Firefighting efforts adapted accordingly, opting for dry sand over water due to concerns over exacerbating the fire.
The visuals from Yonhap news agency depicted dense plumes of gray smoke and fierce orange flames billowing from the building, prompting a robust response from dozens of fire engines on site.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol promptly issued emergency directives to mobilize all available resources for rescue operations while emphasizing the safety of firefighters amid the blaze’s rapid spread.
The cause of the fire remained undetermined at the time of reporting, as authorities in Hwaseong city issued safety alerts urging residents to remain indoors due to hazardous smoke levels.
The incident underscored South Korea’s pivotal role in global battery production, critical for industries ranging from consumer electronics to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting its significance in the global semiconductor and technology sectors.
As firefighting and rescue efforts continued, the incident served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of lithium batteries and the stringent safety measures required in their handling and manufacturing processes.
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