On the afternoon of the 20th, a large fire broke out at an automobile parts manufacturing facility in Daejeon, resulting in injuries to 53 people. Many of the injured were workers inside the factory when the blaze occurred, and concerns have been raised regarding the fate of 14 individuals who have lost contact since the incident. The fire department received reports of the fire at approximately 1:17 PM and quickly escalated their response, declaring multiple emergency stages as the situation developed. A national fire mobilization order was issued by 1:53 PM, highlighting the potential for significant casualties.

Firefighting efforts involved over 90 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel, including helicopters, but were hindered by challenges in controlling the fire initially. As of 3 PM, the latest reports indicated 24 serious injuries and 29 minor injuries, which were attributed to inhalation of toxic smoke and individuals jumping from the building to escape the flames. At the time of the fire, approximately 170 people were working in the factory, yet 14 remained uncontacted by the evening. The complexity of the situation was aggravated by the presence of 200 kg of explosive sodium inside the building, making rescue operations particularly difficult due to fears of further explosions and structural collapse.

The building, which consisted of two connected three-story structures, was entirely consumed by flames, with fire spreading to an adjacent building. Fire authorities highlighted the accelerated combustion associated with the modular construction of the factory, complicating firefighting efforts. President Lee Jae-myung has ordered the full mobilization of resources for firefighting and rescue operations, while the cause of the fire remains undetermined.