Hwaseong: A devastating fire engulfed a lithium battery factory in South Korea on Monday, resulting in the tragic deaths of 22 workers, predominantly Chinese nationals, according to fire officials. The incident occurred at a facility operated by primary battery manufacturer Aricell in Hwaseong, an industrial hub southwest of Seoul.
Initial reports indicated that multiple battery explosions triggered the blaze, which quickly spread through the factory. The victims, including 18 Chinese workers, two South Koreans, and one Laotian, likely succumbed to toxic gases emitted during the intense fire, officials stated. Identification of all deceased workers was complicated by the severity of the blaze.
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Firefighters battled for approximately six hours to extinguish the flames, which caused significant structural damage to the building. Aerial and live TV footage captured scenes of smoke billowing from the factory and explosions rocking the premises, underscoring the severity of the incident.
According to Fire and Disaster Prevention professor Kim Jae-ho from Daejeon University, lithium battery materials are highly flammable, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire and limited escape time for workers. President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the site later in the day, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
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Established in 2020, Aricell specializes in lithium primary batteries used in sensors and communication devices. The company, majority-owned by S-Connect, is not publicly listed but operates within South Korea’s regulatory framework.
In response to the incident, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min urged local authorities to prevent hazardous chemicals from contaminating the surrounding area. The tragic event has drawn attention to safety measures in South Korea’s industrial sector, which has seen previous legislative efforts to enhance workplace safety following a history of industrial accidents.
