At least 16 people were killed, seven injured, and six reported missing in a fire that occurred on Monday at a business that makes lithium batteries close to the capital of South Korea, according to officials.
According to local fire official Kim Jin-young at a televised briefing, rescue workers at the factory in Hwaseong city, just south of Seoul, retrieved the bodies after searching the area.
According to Kim’s earlier statement, the majority of those reported missing were foreign nationals, notably Chinese.
He added that the second floor of the factory was where the missing people’s cell phone signals were traced. Kim stated that although the precise reason would be looked into, a witness informed police that the fire started because batteries detonated while employees were inspecting and packaging them.
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According to Kim, those who were discovered deceased most likely did not make it down the steps to safety. According to him, authorities will look into whether the fire extinguishing devices were functional.
Prior to the incident, Kim stated that 102 individuals were employed at the factory.
According to his office, President Yoon Suk Yeol had earlier given the order for authorities to gather all personnel and equipment available in order to search for survivors.
