A devastating fire broke out at a lithium battery factory in Hwaseong, South Korea, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people, including 18 Chinese nationals. The incident occurred on the second floor of the factory, where approximately 35,000 lithium batteries were stored. The blaze, which started around 10:30 a.m. local time, was accompanied by a series of explosions, making it extremely difficult for firefighters to control.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames using dry sand due to the highly flammable nature of lithium batteries. However, the identification of the victims has been challenging due to the severe burns suffered. Among the deceased were 18 Chinese nationals, one Laotian, and one unidentified person. More than 100 people were working at the factory at the time of the fire, and while 78 were rescued, many others remain unaccounted for.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for the mobilization of all available personnel and equipment to focus on search and rescue operations. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of firefighters given the rapid spread of the fire. Local authorities have issued warnings to residents in Hwaseong to stay indoors and avoid the smoke, which poses a significant health risk.
The factory, operated by South Korean battery manufacturer Aricell, produces lithium batteries used in various applications, from laptops to electric vehicles. This incident highlights the dangers associated with lithium battery manufacturing and storage, as the substance is highly toxic and flammable. The fire has drawn comparisons to a similar incident in January 2023 in Grand-Couronne, France, where an industrial building containing nearly 8,000 lithium batteries caught fire.
- Images broadcast by the Yonhap news agency showed plumes of gray smoke rising above the factory building ravaged by flames. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol asked local authorities to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to focus on searching and rescuing people.
- Local authorities warned residents of the town of Hwaseong against the smoke, recommending them not to leave their homes. An alert message sent by SMS advised residents to close their windows and avoid the area.
- The fire has brought attention to the safety protocols in place for handling and storing lithium batteries, known for their high thermal power and difficulty in extinguishing once ignited. Experts have highlighted the need for special monitoring and safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
