A severe fire broke out inside a major auto parts factory in Daedeok District, Daejeon, South Korea, resulting in at least 50 injuries, of which 35 are critical. Authorities have ordered a nationwide mobilization and deployed firefighting robots to urgently control the situation.
At approximately 13:17 local time on 20 March, a fire started at an auto parts factory in Munpyeong-dong, Daedeok District, Daejeon, South Korea, sending thick black smoke into the sky. As of 14:30, reports confirmed 50 injured, including 35 seriously and 15 with minor injuries. Rescuers expressed concern about possible increases in casualties or fatalities, as some employees are reported missing and trapped inside the building.
Firefighters declared a Level 2 emergency at 13:31 before the National Fire Agency issued a "National Firefighting Mobilization Order" later due to fears of significant casualties. Over 115 personnel and 46 firefighting units were deployed, with support from neighboring provinces Chungnam, Chungbuk, and Sejong sending 119 rescue teams and fire trucks. Additionally, two unmanned firefighting robots and mobile high-pressure water systems were used in areas difficult for personnel to access.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, along with Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, issued urgent orders to relevant agencies including the National Police Agency and Daejeon City Municipality to mobilize all resources to assist victims and extinguish the fire swiftly. They emphasized strict safety measures for firefighters to prevent secondary accidents and ordered evacuation of nearby residents and traffic control around the site.
Authorities are currently continuing emergency response efforts and will investigate the cause of the fire and assess the total damage immediately after the blaze is extinguished.
/sourceYonhap