Catastrophic blaze at battery plant claims lives of 20 individuals
A gunpowder-like blast on the upper level, soon the structure is consumed by flames: In a Lithium battery production facility in Seoul, it's assumed over 20 laborers perished in a conflagration detailed by the press. Some individuals were injured too. Firefighting operations are proving challenging due to the Lithium batteries' volatile nature.
Reportedly, around 20 charred remains were uncovered following a fiery catastrophe at a Lithium battery factory in a suburb south of Seoul, disclosed the publicly-funded broadcaster KBS, quoting rescue services. An estimated 67 employees were occupying the Lithium battery plant owned by the company Aricell in Hwaseong, but the precise number remains uncertain, according to Kim.
The fire impeded the workers' escape from the multi-storey factory building. Initially, the extent of the damage wasn't clear. Rescue services attempted to reach them after the fire broke out. Several individuals also sustained injuries. Footage from the Yonhap news agency portrays flames swallowing the building and thick plumes of smoke billowing over the factory. Numerous fire engines are parked outside the building.
The facility houses approximately 35,000 battery units on the second floor and more in other sectors. Workers reported an initial blast in a battery unit on the second floor, followed by additional detonations. Lithium batteries ignite swiftly and are challenging to manage with regular fire suppression techniques.
Explosion Hazard
"The risk of explosion is high," a firefighter stated. "Water will not quell the fire in the battery factory; instead, dry sand is being applied."
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered emergency measures for the authorities to deploy all available resources towards the search and rescue operation. Hwaseong city authorities alerted residents of the blaze and recommended they remain indoors due to the smog.
South Korea is a key player in the battery manufacturing sector, encompassing those utilized in electric vehicles. South Korean enterprises cater to battery manufacturers globally, including the Tesla Corporation.
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The International Fire Department was requested to assist in extinguishing the catastrophic fire at the battery plant in South Korea. Due to the Lithium batteries' volatility, the Fire Department had to use dry sand instead of water to manage the blaze, as stated by a firefighter.
