President Yoon visits the Daejeon fire scene, urges prevention of secondary accidents
President Yoon Seok-yeol visited the site of a tragic fire in Daejeon that has resulted in 14 deaths and many injuries, emphasizing the necessity of preventing further accidents during recovery operations.
On the second day following the devastating fire at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Daejeon, which resulted in 14 fatalities and over 70 injuries, President Yoon Seok-yeol surveyed the site on the afternoon of the 21st. He assessed the situation and the ongoing rescue operations while receiving briefings from the head of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Headquarters. The president inquired about the search plans for the three missing individuals believed to be trapped under the collapsed building, and was informed of the ongoing identification processes for those rescued, which are complicated by the need for DNA verification.
While inspecting the site, the president was made aware that many of the casualties likely occurred during lunch hour, suggesting that most employees were present when the fire broke out. The building's construction using sandwich panels, known for their vulnerability to fire, has been flagged as a safety concern that may have exacerbated the incident. Yoon expressed shock at the devastation, commenting on the melted exterior of the building and seeking additional details regarding the number of workers present at the time of the fire and the rapid spread of the blaze.
Before concluding his visit, President Yoon interacted with firefighters, urging them to manage the situation carefully to prevent any further accidents as recovery efforts continue. His visit underscored the government's commitment to ensuring safety in industrial environments and addressing the issues that led to such a catastrophic event.