South Korean investigators are diligently examining the ruins of a factory near Seoul to determine the cause of a devastating fire. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 23 people, most of whom were Chinese migrant workers, making it one of South Korea’s deadliest fires in recent memory.
The Fire’s Outbreak
The fire erupted on the morning of June 24 in a factory located in Hwaseong city, just south of Seoul. Security cameras captured the sequence of events as smoke began to engulf the second-floor workspace shortly after sparks were detected near a storage area for lithium batteries, fire officials reported.
Casualties and Victim Identification
The fire claimed the lives of 23 individuals:
- Immediate Fatalities: One person was pronounced dead at the hospital, and firefighters retrieved 21 bodies from the factory on the day of the fire.
- Subsequent Discovery: Another body was found the following day.
- Victim Nationalities: Among the deceased, 18 were Chinese nationals, two were South Korean, and one was Laotian. The nationalities of the remaining two victims are still being verified.
Migrant Workers in South Korea
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea in 1992, many Chinese, including ethnic Koreans, have migrated to South Korea for employment. These migrant workers, along with others from Southeast Asia, typically engage in what are known as the “difficult, dangerous, and dirty” jobs. These roles include working in factories, construction sites, and restaurants—jobs that wealthier South Koreans often avoid.
Official Responses and Condolences
Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming visited the factory site to offer condolences to the victims’ families. Efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the deceased through DNA samples collected from the bodies and their potential relatives.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
One factory worker remains unaccounted for, and officials believe the body discovered on June 25 may belong to this individual. Additionally, eight people sustained injuries in the fire, with two in serious condition.
Government Actions and Safety Measures
Prime Minister’s Instructions
During a Cabinet Council meeting, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed officials to provide support for the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements and compensation. He also called for comprehensive safety inspections at industrial sites.
Presidential Directives
President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the site on the day of the fire and mandated the implementation of effective measures to address battery-related fires.
Investigation and Company Apology
On June 25, over 50 firefighters, aided by rescue dogs and specialized equipment, continued to search the factory. Local fire official Kim Jin-young provided updates during a briefing. A separate team of 40 forensic experts, fire officials, police, and other authorities conducted an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Labor officials announced an independent investigation into potential safety violations at the factory, which is owned by battery manufacturer Aricell.
Company Response
Aricell’s chief, Park Soon-kwan, issued a public apology during a televised conference near the site. He, along with other company officials, expressed deep regret and promised full support to the victims’ families, as well as cooperation with government investigations.
Worker Safety Concerns
Senior fire officer Jo Seon-ho noted that most of the deceased workers were daily laborers likely unfamiliar with the building’s layout. Video footage showed them rushing to an area without an exit after failing to extinguish the fire with available equipment. Many victims likely died from inhaling toxic smoke.
Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards
Lithium-ion batteries, common in consumer electronics, pose significant risks when damaged, defective, or improperly packaged. They can overheat and cause fires or explosions, as seen in this tragic incident.
South Korea’s Fire Safety History
This fire is among the deadliest in recent South Korean history. Previous incidents include:
- 2020: A warehouse fire in Icheon city that killed 38 workers.
- 2018: A hospital fire in Miryang that claimed 46 lives.
- 2008: A refrigerated warehouse fire in Icheon city that resulted in 40 deaths, including 12 ethnic Koreans with Chinese nationality.
The Ongoing Struggle for Safety
South Korea continues to face challenges in improving safety standards and changing the widespread attitudes that prioritize economic progress and convenience over safety.
