Mar 20 • 13:11 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Ministry of Labor activates Central Accident Response Headquarters for Daejeon fire, focusing on rescue operations

The South Korean Ministry of Labor has activated the Central Accident Response Headquarters in response to a significant fire at an auto parts manufacturing facility in Daejeon, prioritizing rapid rescues and thorough accident responses.

In response to a major fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Daejeon, the South Korean Ministry of Labor has established the Central Accident Response Headquarters. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon indicated the need for a safe and swift rescue of personnel, emphasizing the importance of thorough accident management. The headquarters will include collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Fire Agency, the National Police Agency, and the city of Daejeon.

Upon the fire's outbreak at approximately 1:17 PM on the 20th, the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Administration promptly dispatched personnel to assist on-site alongside fire safety officials. The head of the Industrial Safety and Health Headquarters, Ryu Hyun-cheol, was also dispatched to monitor the site, and Minister Kim arrived later to oversee the situation. The Central Accident Response Headquarters is constituted under the Disaster and Safety Management Basic Act, which allows for its establishment following major industrial accidents that could threaten nearby areas with chemicals, fires, or explosions.

As of 8:30 PM on the same day, reports from the fire authorities indicated that firefighting efforts were about 95-98% complete. At the time of the incident, approximately 170 workers were present in the factory, with 55 sustaining serious injuries and 14 remaining unaccounted for. The response teams are actively engaged in both rescue and recovery efforts, highlighting the urgency and scale of the situation.

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