A devastating fire erupted at a lithium battery plant in Hwaseong, South Korea, resulting in the loss of at least 16 lives and leaving five individuals unaccounted for. The incident occurred on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting emergency response efforts.

The Tragic Incident:

• The factory, operated by South Korean battery manufacturer Aricell, became the site of a fierce blaze around 10:30 local time (01:30 GMT).

• Firefighters and rescue teams swiftly mustered to combat the inferno, but tragically, at least nine workers lost their lives during the incident. Three others sustained injuries.

• The fire, which originated within a warehouse, was fueled by the explosion of multiple battery cells.

Search and Rescue Efforts:

• As authorities worked tirelessly to contain the flames, more than 100 workers were believed to be on-site at the time of the fire.

• Firefighter Kim Jin-young reported that approximately two dozen individuals remained unaccounted for, raising concerns about their safety.

• South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office promptly issued orders to mobilize all available personnel and equipment for search and rescue operations.

Location and Impact:

• The factory is situated in Hwaseong, a city located 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Seoul.

• The tragic incident has left families grieving and the community in shock, as the loss of life reverberates throughout the region.

Authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire, while families anxiously await news of their missing loved ones