Tragedy struck a manufacturing factory near South Korea’s capital as a fire, likely caused by exploding lithium batteries, took the lives of 22 workers, mostly Chinese migrants, and left eight injured. The incident occurred in Hwaseong city, where workers were packaging batteries when the explosion ignited the fire on the second floor.
Among the casualties were 18 Chinese, two South Koreans, and one Laotian. The factory employed many foreign workers seeking job opportunities, including those from China and Southeast Asia. With one worker missing and two in critical condition, rescue efforts are ongoing. The fire’s cause and safety measures at the factory will be investigated by authorities.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min visited the site to offer government assistance to the victims’ families. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers in physically demanding and low-paying jobs.