Large fire at lithium battery plant in South Korea leads to casualties, serious damage


(MENAFN) On Monday, a significant fire erupted at a lithium battery factory in South Korea, resulting in the discovery of a body at the site, according to a news agency. The factory, owned by Aricel, South Korea's leading battery manufacturer, is situated in Hwaseong, south of the capital, Seoul. Firefighting units managed to extinguish the majority of the blaze, but ongoing efforts are focused on recovering bodies from the charred remains of the building.

The incident prompted an immediate response, with footage from the news agency showing thick clouds of smoke billowing from the factory and fires raging within the structure. Dozens of fire engines were stationed in front of the factory, indicating the scale of the emergency response.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol issued emergency directives, urging authorities to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to prioritize the search and rescue of individuals. He emphasized the responsibility of the authorities to ensure the safety of firefighters, especially given the rapid spread of the fire. Despite the intense efforts of firefighting and relief teams, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.

South Korea plays a crucial role in the global battery industry, particularly in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. Its factories, including the one affected by the fire, supply essential components to electric vehicle manufacturers worldwide, including prominent companies like Tesla. The impact of this fire could have significant repercussions on the supply chain and the electric vehicle market, highlighting the importance of safety and emergency preparedness in such critical industries. 

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