24-6-2024 (HWASEONG) In a devastating incident that has gripped the nation, around 20 bodies have been recovered from a lithium battery factory in Hwaseong, South Korea, after a massive fire broke out on Monday (June 24), according to reports from the Yonhap news agency. Firefighters are still conducting search and rescue operations within the charred building, as many workers remain unaccounted for.
The tragedy unfolded when more than 100 employees were working at the factory, and workers reported hearing a series of explosions emanating from the second floor, where lithium-ion batteries are inspected and packaged. Firefighter Kim Jin-young told media outlets that while 78 people were confirmed safe, numerous others were still missing when rescue teams managed to enter the burning facility.
“A rescue team has gone inside and is carrying out search and rescue operations,” Kim said, confirming that they had managed to extinguish the largest fire and were actively retrieving bodies from the devastated building.
Images shared by Yonhap in the aftermath of the fire showed massive plumes of grey smoke billowing into the sky above the factory, with orange flames visible inside the building. Dozens of fire engines were deployed to the scene in a desperate attempt to contain the blaze.
The factory, owned by South Korean primary battery manufacturer Aricell, housed an estimated 35,000 battery cells on the second floor, with additional batteries stored in other areas. Lithium batteries are notorious for burning intensely and rapidly, posing a significant challenge for firefighters using conventional extinguishing methods.
“Due to fears of additional explosions, it was difficult to enter,” Kim acknowledged. “As it is a lithium battery manufacturer, we determined that spraying water will not extinguish the fire, so we are currently using dry sand.”
In response to the catastrophic incident, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued emergency instructions, urging authorities to “mobilize all available personnel and equipment to focus on searching for and rescuing people,” according to his office. The president also warned of the rapid spread of the fire and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of firefighters.
Authorities in Hwaseong sent out a series of alerts to residents, advising them to stay indoors and close windows due to the thick smoke from the factory fires. The cause of the blaze remains unknown as firefighting and rescue efforts continue.
The tragedy has cast a pall over South Korea’s booming battery industry, which supplies electric vehicle makers worldwide, including Tesla. The nation is a major producer of batteries and has invested heavily in key technologies such as displays and batteries, underscoring the importance of robust safety measures and stringent regulations.
