A devastating fire at a car parts factory in the South Korean city of Daejeon claimed the lives of 14 people and left 25 others seriously injured on Friday, authorities confirmed on Saturday. An additional 35 individuals sustained minor injuries in the blaze, which erupted around lunchtime and was fully contained by 11:48 p.m. local time (14:48 GMT), according to South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Factory Details and Impact
The facility, owned by Anjun Industrial, manufactures engine valves and supplies major automakers including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. Fire authorities reported that victims were found across all three floors of the building: one on the first floor, four on the second, and nine on the third.
CEO Sohn Ju-hwan issued a statement on Anjun Industrial’s website expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation with authorities. He added that the company would investigate the cause of the accident, review its safety systems and inspections, and implement all necessary measures to prevent future incidents.
Government Response
President Lee Jae-myung activated a centralized disaster management system, directing all available resources to respond to the fire and assist in saving lives. Emergency services, including firefighters and medical personnel, worked through the night to contain the blaze and treat the injured.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards in South Korea and is expected to prompt government scrutiny of workplace fire prevention measures and safety protocols within the automotive supply sector.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities pledging a full and transparent inquiry.
