President Lee Jae-myung visited the site of a factory fire at Anjeon Industry, an auto parts manufacturer in Daedeok-gu, Daejeon, on Wednesday to inspect firefighting operations and search efforts for missing workers.
The president had ordered the previous day to "immediately mobilize all available equipment and personnel for accident response and rescue operations." During his visit, he received briefings from fire authorities and observed search operations at the scene.
Lee examined the exterior walls of the building and inquired about the search for missing persons as well as the cause of the fire's rapid spread. He shook hands with firefighters from the Daedeok Fire Station at the collapse site while receiving explanations from the control team commander. After confirming the situation of victims' families with relevant agencies, Lee urged officials to "prevent secondary accidents."
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong said in a written briefing that Lee encouraged firefighters standing by near fire trucks and ambulances, urging them to do their utmost in rescue activities and recovery of remaining missing persons.
The president received reports on casualties, medical support for survivors, and search progress from the chief of the National Fire Agency's Central Emergency Rescue Control. He then reviewed specifics including the ignition point, deployed rescue personnel, and search progress.
"Exercise Caution to Prevent Secondary Accidents"
After touring the fire scene, Lee instructed officials to "identify the cause of the fire's rapid spread and swiftly confirm the identities of the three remaining missing persons." He added, "Exercise particular caution regarding safety to prevent secondary accidents, considering the risk of building collapse."
The president then met with bereaved families, holding their hands to offer condolences. He listened to their requests and instructed the Ministry of Interior and Safety's Disaster and Safety Management Director to take responsibility for managing the site until it stabilizes.
Bereaved families requested prompt and detailed explanations of the accident, faster identification of remains, and establishment of a memorial altar at Daejeon City Hall.
Lee recorded all requests in his notebook and instructed officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Employment, and National Fire Agency to designate on-site managers and provide regular detailed briefings to families on the accident cause and rescue status. He also ordered that one or two family members be allowed to participate in the joint investigation team operated by police and the Ministry of Employment, while maintaining security protocols.
"Government Will Pay First, Seek Reimbursement Later"
"Even if the government incurs losses, consider paying bereaved families first and seeking reimbursement from relevant agencies later," Lee said.
Before leaving, when a family member requested continued attention until the case is resolved, Lee responded, "I will give you my chief of staff's phone number. Contact him if anything is lacking."
The president then visited Eulji Hospital, where four injured persons are hospitalized, to receive reports from medical staff on patient conditions and wish them speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, one body was found at the fire scene Wednesday morning, followed by three more around 5 p.m., confirming all 14 missing persons dead. The injured total 59, including two firefighters hurt during suppression efforts.
The fire broke out at approximately 1:17 p.m. the previous day and spread rapidly, forcing emergency evacuation of all factory employees. Of 170 workers in the factory at the time, 14 lost contact, prompting fire authorities to begin search operations overnight.