Massive Fire at South Korea Auto Parts Factory in Daejeon Leaves 50 Injured A large-scale fire erupted at an auto parts manufacturing facility in Daejeon, South Korea, resulting in at least 50 individuals sustaining injuries. The incident occurred on March 20, 2026, and emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene to manage the situation. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of the blaze, though initial reports suggest the fire spread rapidly through the industrial complex, prompting evacuations and the activation of fire suppression systems. The factory, which operates under a major automotive supply chain, is a critical component of South Korea’s manufacturing sector. While the exact number of casualties remains under investigation, officials have confirmed that the injured are being treated at nearby medical facilities. Local authorities have urged residents in the surrounding area to remain cautious and avoid the vicinity until the situation is fully contained. The event has sparked concerns about workplace safety and emergency preparedness in industrial zones. Firefighters faced challenges in accessing certain parts of the facility due to the scale of the blaze, which generated intense heat and smoke. Emergency services have since begun a thorough inspection of the site to assess structural damage and ensure no further risks to the community. This incident highlights the potential dangers of large-scale industrial fires and the importance of robust safety protocols in high-risk environments. Officials have pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Meanwhile, the affected workers and their families are receiving support from local organizations and government agencies.#south_korea #emergency_services #fire #daejeon #auto_parts_factory
53 Injured, 14 Missing in South Korean Car Parts Factory Fire A major fire erupted at a car parts manufacturing facility in South Korea on Friday, resulting in 53 injuries and leaving 14 individuals unaccounted for, according to Yonhap News Agency. The incident occurred at approximately 1:17 p.m. local time (0417 GMT) at a factory located in Daejeon, a city situated about 140 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Initial reports indicated that 24 individuals sustained severe injuries while 29 others suffered minor injuries. Some victims were affected by smoke inhalation, while others were injured after leaping from the burning building. Of the 170 employees present at the factory during the fire's onset, 14 remained missing. Less than an hour after the initial report, the National Fire Agency issued a national fire mobilization order, coordinating resources from other regions to the affected area. Approximately 90 fire trucks, along with 200 firefighters, were deployed to the scene. Helicopters from the Korea Forest Service were also dispatched to assist in extinguishing the flames. Rescue operations faced significant challenges as firefighters were unable to enter the factory due to the risk of structural collapse or chemical explosions. One of the factory’s two prefabricated buildings, connected by a walkway, was entirely destroyed, with flames spreading to the adjacent structure. The building reportedly contained around 200 kilograms of sodium, heightening the risk of explosive reactions. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety and emergency response protocols in industrial settings. Authorities are currently conducting investigations to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.#yonhap_news_agency #daejeon #korea_forest_service #national_fire_agency #sodium
