Tragic Fire at South Korean Lithium Battery Factory Claims 22 Lives
A devastating fire broke out at a lithium battery factory in Hwaseong, South Korea, on June 24, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 22 people, including 18 Chinese nationals. The fire, which started around 10:30 a.m., rapidly spread due to the highly flammable nature of lithium batteries. Emergency personnel managed to extinguish the fire by 3:10 p.m., but the damage was already extensive.
In-Depth Investigation and Response
Fire brigade official Kim Jin-young reported that the fire began on the second floor of the Aricell factory, where approximately 35,000 lithium batteries were stored. The explosion and subsequent fire made it extremely difficult for workers to escape. Of the 22 fatalities, 20 were foreign workers, highlighting the vulnerability of immigrant laborers in hazardous industries. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has issued emergency instructions to mobilize all available resources for rescue operations and to ensure the safety of firefighters.
Lithium batteries are known for their rapid combustion and difficulty to extinguish with traditional firefighting methods. Firefighters used dry sand instead of water to control the blaze, fearing further explosions. The factory's worker directory was also destroyed in the fire, complicating the identification process of the victims.
South Korea is a major producer of lithium batteries, supplying to global electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla. This incident is one of the worst industrial disasters in the country in recent years, drawing comparisons to previous tragedies such as the 1989 chemical plant accident in Yeosu and the 2020 warehouse fire in Icheon.
- The fire department has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been sparked by an exploding battery cell during the examination and packaging process.
- Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Interior and Security Minister Lee Sang-min visited the site to oversee the rescue operations and offer government assistance for funeral services and support programs for the victims' families. Authorities have also issued warnings to local residents to stay indoors due to the thick smoke emanating from the factory.
- This tragic event underscores the risks associated with lithium battery manufacturing and the need for stringent safety protocols. The South Korean government has been investing heavily in battery technology, and this disaster may prompt a reevaluation of safety measures in the industry.
