HWASEONG, South Korea – A tragic fire erupted at a manufacturing factory near South Korea’s capital, resulting in the loss of 22 lives, mainly Chinese migrant workers. The incident occurred as lithium batteries exploded while workers were handling them at the factory in Hwaseong city. Eight individuals were also injured in the blaze, which started on the factory’s second floor early in the morning.

According to local fire official Kim Jin-young, the victims included 18 Chinese nationals, two South Koreans, and one Laotian. The factory, which is owned by Aricell and produces rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, faced devastation as the fire quickly spread through the building. The rapid escalation of the fire hindered the workers’ efforts to extinguish it, leading to tragic consequences.

Foreign workers, who were primarily daily laborers, faced challenges in navigating the factory’s layout during the emergency. Despite their best efforts, the lack of familiarity with the building’s structure likely contributed to the high number of casualties. The South Korean government, represented by President Yoon Suk Yeol and other officials, visited the site to offer condolences to the families of the deceased and to assess the situation.

This incident is one of the deadliest fires in South Korea in recent times, highlighting the ongoing struggle to uphold safety standards in the country.

Tragic events like the warehouse fire in Icheon City in 2020 and the hospital fire in Miryang in 2018 have underscored the need for comprehensive safety measures across various industries. The government’s response to the factory fire in Hwaseong will undoubtedly prompt a reevaluation of existing safety protocols and regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.