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
