Search operations continued for a second day on January 21 at an auto parts factory in Daejeon's Daedeok Industrial Complex, where a massive fire on January 20 caused multiple casualties.
Fire authorities said they have completed searching accessible areas and believe the remaining missing persons are in collapsed sections. Safety inspections will be conducted during the morning to determine demolition zones before resuming the search.
"We estimate the remaining missing persons are near the east building parking area," authorities said.
Fire authorities deployed two search and rescue dogs at 6:49 a.m. to search inside the factory. Heavy equipment is being used to search hazardous areas.
"We are deploying all available resources to prevent additional damage," authorities added.
One missing person was found at the second-floor break room entrance at 11:03 p.m. the previous day. Nine more were discovered at 12:20 a.m. on January 21 in what is believed to be a third-floor fitness center. All 10 were confirmed dead.
Authorities said DNA testing is underway to confirm identities. One victim in their 40s has been identified and transferred to a Veterans Hospital. The remaining nine are undergoing DNA analysis by police, which is expected to take time.
The fire has resulted in 69 total casualties: 10 dead, 25 seriously injured, 24 with minor injuries, and 4 missing. Two firefighters deployed for fire suppression also sustained minor injuries.
Regarding patient conditions, authorities stated that follow-up care tracking is not 100% complete. As of 6:30 a.m., 28 patients remain hospitalized, including 4 in surgery and 3 in intensive care.
