Rescue teams recovered the remains of 10 people from an auto parts factory in Daejeon on Saturday after a blaze, likely sparked by an explosion, injured at least 59 and left four workers unaccounted for. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported 25 people were seriously hurt; officials did not immediately say if any were in life-threatening condition.
More than 500 firefighters, police and emergency personnel were dispatched after the fire broke out Friday afternoon. Video and photos showed thick gray smoke and some workers jumping from the building. The blaze destroyed a factory building that crews initially could not enter amid fears of collapse, Daedeok district fire chief Nam Deuk-woo said.
Searches for the missing began late Friday after unmanned firefighting robots were used to cool the structure and safety inspections were carried out. Rescuers found one body on the second floor and nine in what is believed to have been a gym on the third floor. Nam said crews had searched all accessible areas by Saturday morning and that the four remaining were likely trapped under rubble; further safety checks were planned before debris removal and continued searches. Police identified one deceased worker, while genetic tests were underway for the others.
The fire, reported around 1:18 pm Friday, appeared to spread rapidly and witnesses reported an explosion. Firefighters worked to prevent the blaze from reaching an adjacent facility and to isolate explosive chemicals; more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of highly reactive chemicals were recovered from the site.
Some victims were hurt after jumping from the building; others suffered smoke inhalation. As of Saturday morning 28 people were hospitalized and four had undergone surgery for broken bones and other injuries. About 120 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including aircraft, an unmanned water cannon vehicle and two firefighting robots for hard-to-reach areas, were used alongside hundreds of personnel. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered full mobilization of personnel and equipment to contain the fire and support rescue efforts.
