A tragic factory fire in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 22 people after several lithium batteries exploded, causing a massive blaze at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong city.
The fire, which broke out on Monday morning, sent large smoke clouds into the sky and resulted in small explosions as firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames. The roof of the factory collapsed during the inferno, adding to the chaos and devastation.
Among the confirmed dead are 18 Chinese, one Laotian, and two South Korean workers, with one final body yet to be identified. There are concerns that at least one more person may be missing, as the bodies are badly burned and will take time to identify.
Eight people were also injured in the fire, two of them seriously, out of the 100 workers who were present when the blaze erupted. The factory housed an estimated 35,000 battery cells on its second floor, where the batteries were inspected and packaged.
Fire official Kim Jin-young explained that the fire started when a series of battery cells exploded, although the exact cause of the initial explosions remains unknown. The volatile nature of lithium batteries makes them prone to exploding if damaged or overheated, posing a significant risk in industrial settings.
Firefighters had to use dry sand to extinguish the blaze, as lithium fires can react intensely with water. Despite several hours of effort, there is still a risk of the fire reigniting due to chemical reactions, highlighting the challenges faced by emergency responders in such situations.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with lithium batteries and the importance of stringent safety measures in their production and handling. South Korea, a leading producer of lithium batteries, will undoubtedly be reviewing its safety protocols in the wake of this devastating event.
