At least 14 Killed in Fire at South Korean Car Parts Factory

At least 14 people have been killed and nearly 60 others injured in a devastating fire at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea. The blaze broke out on Friday afternoon at a three-story plant operated by Anjun Industrial, a major supplier of engine components to automakers including Hyundai and Kia. Around 170 workers were inside the building at the time of the fire.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke and flames quickly engulfing multiple floors of the factory. Some employees attempted to escape by jumping from windows, while others became trapped, including in a third-floor locker room, where many of the fatalities occurred. Emergency responders dispatched more than 500 personnel to the scene, deploying specialized firefighting robots and equipment to navigate the building safely. The response was complicated by the presence of stored chemicals, which posed additional hazards and delayed some rescue operations.

Authorities confirmed that at least 28 people remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition. Firefighters worked through the night to fully extinguish the flames and secure the site. Preliminary reports indicate that an explosion may have triggered the blaze, but officials have not yet determined the exact cause. Investigators are examining safety procedures and compliance with fire regulations at the factory.

President Lee Jae Myung visited the site on Saturday, meeting with emergency responders and families of the victims. He pledged a full investigation into the incident and emphasized the need for stricter safety measures across industrial facilities nationwide. Government officials are providing support for affected families, including counseling services and financial assistance.

Anjun Industrial expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with authorities during the investigation. Local officials have announced plans to establish a memorial for the victims at Daejeon City Hall to honor those who lost their lives in the fire.

This incident is one of the deadliest industrial accidents in South Korea in recent years and has drawn attention to workplace safety standards and emergency preparedness in manufacturing facilities. The community of Daejeon is mourning the victims while authorities continue their efforts to investigate the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have promised to release updates as more information becomes available. Emergency services continue to support survivors and ensure the site is safe, while families and coworkers come to terms with the impact of this catastrophic event.