A fire at a lithium battery factory in Hwaseong, South Korea, killed over 20 people, including 18 Chinese workers, on June 24, 2024, and left at least eight others injured, officials reported.

The blaze, which erupted due to an explosion while workers were handling batteries, quickly spread through the facility operated by South Korean battery maker Aricell. With parts of the factory collapsing and the worker directory burned, rescue and identification efforts faced significant challenges. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for a full-scale response, while authorities investigate potential failures in the fire extinguishing systems. The incident has drawn national attention, especially due to the high number of foreign casualties and the rapid escalation linked to volatile battery materials.

The fire broke out at approximately 10:31 a.m. local time in Hwaseong city, which is situated just south of Seoul. The fire, which started after batteries exploded while workers were examining and packaging them, was largely extinguished by around 3:10 p.m. However, the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

The factory, operated by South Korean company Aricell, employed a total of 102 people who were present at the time of the incident. The intensity of the fire and the subsequent damage to the factory's infrastructure, including the burning of the worker directory, have made it difficult to identify all of the victims.

Among those killed were more than 20 people, including 18 Chinese workers, highlighting the international scope of the tragedy. In addition to the fatalities, at least eight people suffered injuries, with two individuals sustaining serious burns. Five others had minor injuries, and rescue workers combed through the rubble to retrieve the bodies and search for any potential survivors.

The upper floor of the factory experienced significant damage, with parts collapsing and large chunks of concrete being blown out into the street as a result of the explosion. This exacerbated the rescue operations, as emergency personnel had to navigate through the debris to reach victims.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol promptly ordered the mobilization of all available personnel and equipment to aid in the rescue operations and to find survivors. He emphasized the importance of swift and efficient response mechanisms to handle this crisis.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min visited the site shortly after the fire was brought under control. They requested government assistance for funeral services and support for the relatives of the victims, illustrating the government's commitment to providing aid in the aftermath of the disaster.

Live video broadcasts showed firefighters working tirelessly to douse the heavily damaged building, showcasing the scale of the destruction. Emergency personnel were seen transporting the bodies of victims at the scene, underlining the severity of the situation.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the factory's fire extinguishing systems operated as intended during the incident. This aspect of the investigation will be crucial in understanding the dynamics of the fire and preventing future occurrences.

Aricell, the company operating the factory, is majority owned by S-Connect, a firm registered on the junior Kosdaq index. However, Aricell itself is not listed on South Korea’s stock market. The incident has inevitably raised questions about the safety protocols and regulations governing battery manufacturing industries.

Kim Jae-ho, a professor specializing in fire and disaster prevention at Daejeon University, commented on the quick spread of fires involving materials such as nickel, which are commonly used in battery production. His insights highlight the inherent risks associated with the manufacturing processes of such materials and the need for stringent safety measures.

The presence of foreign workers among the dead and missing, including a Laotian and several Chinese nationals, emphasizes the international dimension of the workforce in South Korea's industrial sector. This has further complicated the rescue operations and identification processes.

The disaster has drawn significant national attention, prompting calls for a review of safety standards within the battery production industry. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the exact cause of the explosion and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.