Just In : Firefighters Recover 20 Bodies From Devastating Battery Factory Fire
The devastating incident occurred when a series of explosions rocked the factory, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the building, a firefighter Kim Jin-young said.
Tragedy struck at a lithium battery manufacturing plant in South Korea, claiming the lives of at least 20 people.
The devastating incident occurred when a series of explosions rocked the factory, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the building, a firefighter Kim Jin-young said.
Over 100 workers were on site at the time, with many trapped inside, according to AFP.
Rescue teams battled to contain the blaze and retrieve bodies from the second floor, where the explosions originated.
The cause of the disaster is currently under investigation. The factory, operated by Aricell, a South Korean primary battery manufacturer, is located in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, and manufactures lithium-ion batteries for various applications.
This tragic event highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent such catastrophes.
Kim said: “A rescue team has gone inside and is carrying out search and rescue operations.”
Meanwhile, images shared by South Korean news agency Yonhap after the fire broke out showed huge plumes of billowing grey smoke rising into the sky above the factory, with orange flames inside the building. Dozens of fire engines were seen outside.
A massive factory fire hazard was uncovered, with approximately 35,000 lithium battery cells stored on the second floor and additional batteries scattered throughout the facility, posing a significant risk due to the highly flammable and volatile nature of lithium batteries, which require specialized extinguishing techniques.
“Due to fears of additional explosions, it was difficult to enter,” Kim said.
Lithium batteries, a crucial component in various modern technologies such as laptops and electric vehicles, pose a significant explosion risk, leading to stringent safety measures, like strict airline regulations on checking devices containing them.
Notably, South Korea plays a significant role in the global battery production landscape, including those designed for electric vehicles.
South Korea’s battery manufacturers are key suppliers to global electric vehicle (EV) brands, including Tesla, solidifying the country’s position as a major player in the EV industry.
Additionally, South Korea is a leading producer of high-end semiconductors and has made significant investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as display and battery innovations, further bolstering its reputation as a hub for advanced technologies.
