International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Seoul, March 21: The devastating fire tore through an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, claiming the lives of at least 10 workers and leaving 59 others injured in one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent months.

The blaze reportedly broke out on Friday afternoon, local time, rapidly engulfing large sections of the facility where around 170 employees were on duty. Thick plumes of smoke and intense flames created panic among workers, many of whom struggled to escape the fast-spreading fire.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled tirelessly through the night to bring the situation under control. It was only by Saturday morning that emergency crews were finally able to contain the flames after hours of relentless effort.

Authorities confirmed that among the injured, at least 25 individuals are in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. The injured victims have been admitted to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working around the clock to stabilize those in serious condition.

Police officials stated that four workers are still missing, and search operations are ongoing amid the charred remains of the factory. Rescue teams continue to sift through debris in hopes of locating the missing individuals.

The South Korean government, in an official statement, said that as of 5 a.m. Saturday, 10 fatalities had been confirmed, with dozens suffering severe injuries. Officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, while also assessing potential safety lapses at the facility.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, once again highlighting concerns over industrial safety standards and emergency preparedness in high-risk workplaces.