24-6-2024 (HWASEONG) A devastating fire broke out at a lithium battery factory owned by Aricell, a South Korean primary battery manufacturer, in the city of Hwaseong, just south of the capital Seoul, on Monday. The blaze has claimed the life of one individual, while 21 workers remain unaccounted for as firefighters continue their relentless efforts to bring the inferno under control.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting a swift response from authorities and raising concerns about the safety measures in place at such industrial facilities.
Firefighter Kim Jin-young, addressing the media, painted a grim picture of the ongoing crisis. “We are still unable to go inside and carry out rescue operations,” he stated solemnly. “We will carry it out once we get the fire under control.”
The urgency of the situation was further underscored by Kim’s revelation that 21 workers remain unaccounted for. “We are planning to track their whereabouts with their contacts provided from the company,” he added, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, another worker sustained serious burns, further highlighting the severity of the incident.
Eyewitness accounts and images shared by the Yonhap news agency depicted a harrowing scene, with massive plumes of billowing grey smoke rising into the sky above the factory and orange flames engulfing the building. Dozens of fire engines were visible outside the facility, engaged in a relentless battle against the raging inferno.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued emergency instructions to authorities, urging them to “mobilize all available personnel and equipment to focus on searching for and rescuing people,” according to a statement from his office.
The president also cautioned authorities to “ensure the safety of firefighters considering the rapid spread of fire,” underscoring the inherent risks faced by those on the front lines of this crisis.
As firefighting and rescue efforts continue unabated, the cause of the fire remains unknown, adding an element of uncertainty to an already tragic event.
South Korea is a major player in the global battery production industry, supplying electric vehicle manufacturers around the world, including industry giants like Tesla.
