Fire at South Korea Battery Plant in Gyeonggi Kills 22, Including 18 Chinese Nationals, 1 Laotian

Jun 24, 2024, 09:35 AM

A devastating fire broke out at a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi province, South Korea, on Monday, killing at least 22 people, including 18 Chinese nationals and one Laotian national. The blaze, which began on the second floor of the factory, led to multiple explosions and thick smoke, complicating firefighting efforts. Authorities have confirmed that eight people were injured, and the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue. The factory, owned by Aricell, is a key player in South Korea's battery manufacturing industry. The plant is located about 45 km south of Seoul.