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South Korea Auto-Parts Plant Fire in Daejeon Kills 11 as Search Continues for 3

Hazardous sodium in the facility forced a nationwide firefighting mobilization.

Overview

  • The blaze was fully extinguished after roughly 10 and a half hours, and crews have shifted to recovery operations.
  • At least 59 people were injured, about 35 in serious condition, after the fire broke out Friday around 1:17 p.m. local time.
  • Roughly 170 employees were inside the plant when flames spread rapidly through the building.
  • Access for firefighters was delayed by collapse risks and about 200 kilograms of sodium that reacts dangerously with water.
  • Authorities opened an investigation into the cause, witnesses reported an explosion, and plant owner Anjun Industrial—a supplier to Hyundai and Kia—has not issued a statement.