Tragedy strikes: Deadly fire engulfs South Korean battery plant

A devastating fire engulfed a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, South Korea, on Monday, resulting in multiple casualties and significant damage.

The incident, reported around 10:30 a.m. local time (0130 GMT), occurred at a facility operated by battery manufacturer Aricell, located south of Seoul.

South Korean battery plant fire

According to local fire officials, the blaze erupted following a series of explosions involving battery cells stored in a warehouse containing approximately 35,000 units. Kim Jin-young, a fire official, explained that the explosions triggered the fire, which was eventually brought under control after intense efforts by emergency responders.

South Korean battery plant fire: REUTERS/Kim Hong-ji

Initial reports from Yonhap news agency suggested that around 20 bodies were discovered inside the factory premises. However, during a televised briefing, Kim Jin-young clarified that nine individuals had tragically lost their lives in the fire. Four others sustained injuries, with two individuals reported to be in critical condition.

The incident marks a severe blow to Aricell, a prominent player in South Korea’s battery manufacturing sector, and has raised concerns about safety protocols in industrial facilities handling volatile materials like lithium batteries.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and the circumstances leading up to the tragic event.