Any fire is dangerous, but explosions are a major risk in battery factories. A fire in South Korea on Monday killed 23 workers and injured eight, officials said. An exploding battery likely started the blaze.
The fire and series of explosions hit a building owned by battery maker Aricell, part of an industrial zone in Hwaseong city, south of the South Korean capital Seoul.
The workers were inspecting and packaging lithium batteries, which are used in electric vehicles, cellphones, laptops and other personal electronic devices, and authorities believe some of the batteries exploded.
The fire broke out on the second floor at about 10:30 a.m. The factory likely stored about 35,000 batteries, authorities said.
The fire burned for more than four hours before firefighters were able to put it out, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.
Over the past few decades, many Chinese have migrated to South Korea in search of work. Like other foreign immigrants from Southeast Asian countries, many of them end up working in factories or taking physically demanding, low-paying jobs that wealthier South Koreans shy away from. Most of those killed in the fire were migrant workers.
Kim Jin-young, a fire official, said 102 people were working at the factory before the fire began. He said the 23 victims likely could not have found the exits. Authorities will investigate whether there was a fire extinguishing system at the site and whether it worked, he said.
Prime Minister Han Deok-soo and Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min toured the site late Monday. Han urged authorities to provide government assistance for funerals and support programs for the victims' families.
Television footage also showed President Yoon Seok-yeo, wearing a safety helmet and mask, visiting the site along with other government officials.
South Korea has been working for decades to improve safety standards, and officials there are also working to change a prevailing mindset that prioritizes economic development and convenience over safety.
Monday's fire was one of South Korea's deadliest in recent years, and fire officials said they would investigate the exact cause of the blaze.
Pray for those who lost loved ones in the fires, and ask God to give wisdom to officials as they try to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. — Romans 12:15
