A hearth most likely attributable to explosion of lithium batteries destroyed a manufacturing unit close to the capital South Koreakilling 22 migrant employees, principally Chinese language and injured eight, officers mentioned.
The hearth began then The batteries exploded whereas employees have been inspecting them and have been being packed on the second flooring of the manufacturing unit in Hwaseong metropolis, south of Seoul, round 10:30 a.m., firefighters mentioned, citing a witness. They mentioned they are going to examine the reason for the fireplace.
![Firefighters search for bodies in the fire-ravaged factory. Photo: EFE](https://www.clarin.com/img/2024/06/24/PrVBF8QMa_720x0__1.jpg)
Among the many useless have been 18 Chinese language, two South Koreans and one Laotian, native fireplace division official Kim Jin-young advised a televised briefing. He mentioned the nationality of one of many useless couldn’t be instantly verified.
In current a long time, many individuals in China, together with ethnic Koreans, They immigrated to South Korea searching for employment. Like different international immigrants from Southeast Asian international locations, they usually They find yourself in factories or in bodily demanding, low-paying jobs that the wealthiest South Koreans reject.
An enormous fireplace broke out this morning on the lithium battery manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, South Korea. The most recent reviews say no less than 16 have died, though the demise toll is prone to rise. It’s discovered that many of the victims are international residents. pic.twitter.com/sxnfmmqy3H
— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) June 24, 2024
The hearth broke out in one of many manufacturing unit buildings owned by an organization known as Aricell. Kim mentioned the victims most likely didn't make it down the steps to the primary flooring.
He mentioned that the authorities will examine if on the spot There have been fireplace extinguishing methods and so they labored.
Kim mentioned that in complete 102 individuals labored within the manufacturing unit earlier than the fireplace occurred.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, official no. 2 of the nation and Minister of Dwelling Affairs and Safety Lee Sang-min visited the nation afterward Monday. Han requested officers to offer authorities help for funeral providers and assist applications for kinfolk of the victims, based on Han's workplace.
With data from the Related Press