A fire broke out at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Munpyeong-dong, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon at approximately 1:17 p.m. on the 20th.
Fire authorities issued a Level 2 response at 1:31 p.m. to prevent the spread of flames, followed by a national firefighting mobilization order at 1:53 p.m. A total of 219 personnel and 90 pieces of equipment have been deployed to extinguish the blaze.
The fire has resulted in 53 casualties so far, including 24 with serious injuries and 29 with minor injuries.
According to fire authorities, 170 workers were on duty at the plant. Of these, 154 have been accounted for, while 14 remain uncontactable.
Nam Deuk-woo, chief of the Daedeok Fire Station, said at an on-site briefing, "Search operations are impossible due to concerns about internal collapse," adding that "many casualties occurred from workers falling and inhaling toxic gases."
Daejeon City and Daedeok-gu Office issued emergency disaster alerts notifying residents of the fire and urged drivers to avoid the area around Munpyeong Bridge and Singu Bridge due to traffic congestion.
President Lee instructed authorities to "mobilize all available resources for rescue operations" in response to the Daejeon factory fire.
Earlier, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued an urgent directive to make every effort in rescue and firefighting operations.
"The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency must mobilize all available equipment and personnel to do their utmost in rescue and firefighting operations," Prime Minister Kim said. "Related agencies including Daejeon City and the National Police Agency must take necessary measures such as traffic control and resident evacuation to prevent secondary damage."
Fire authorities plan to investigate the detailed cause of the fire once it is extinguished.
