Mar 20 β€’ 23:10 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Fire in Daejeon Factory Increases Death Toll to 10, Search Continues for 4 Missing

The death toll from a factory fire in Daejeon has risen to 10, with search efforts ongoing for 4 missing individuals.

A tragic fire at an automotive parts manufacturing facility in Daejeon has led to 10 confirmed fatalities, with fears that the death toll could rise as 4 individuals remain unaccounted for. The fire incident took place on the afternoon of the 20th of September, and search crews discovered the bodies of the deceased through overnight efforts. Emergency services had initially reported the discovery of one victim on the night of the incident, and further searches revealed an additional nine bodies by the early hours of the following day.

The complex nature of the site, characterized by steel structures that pose risks of collapse due to heat distortion, has made rescue efforts particularly challenging. Safety protocols were prioritized, resulting in the establishment of small search teams to meticulously comb through different floors of the facility. As direct access to the interior was troublesome, emergency responders utilized ladders and aerial devices to navigate the unstable environment. The authorities are in the process of confirming the identities of the deceased through DNA and fingerprint analysis.

As recovery efforts continue, the Daejeon fire department reported that 25 individuals sustained serious injuries, while an additional 34 people suffered minor injuries. Rescue chief Kim Seung-ryong emphasized the high-risk conditions of the site but reaffirmed the commitment to leave no one behind amid the search and recovery operations.

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