A tragic incident occurred at a steel factory in Asan, South Korea, where a fire broke out on the afternoon of the 13th, resulting in one confirmed death. The blaze started in the outdoor storage area of the factory and quickly spread to the factory itself. In response to the emergency, local fire authorities dispatched approximately 40 firefighters and over 20 firefighting units to manage the situation.

The fire, which generated significant smoke due to burning waste materials, prompted Asan city officials to issue a disaster message advising drivers to reroute traffic due to the safety hazards. The structure of the factory, built primarily of steel, presents additional challenges for firefighters, who estimate that extinguishing the fire will take considerable time. Moreover, there are concerns that some workers may have been unable to evacuate in time, leading to search and rescue operations as firefighters focus on bringing the fire under control.

Local police and fire authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire once they have managed to subdue the flames. This incident not only raises questions about safety protocols at industrial sites but also highlights the risks involved during peak operational periods such as the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday in South Korea.