A massive factory fire in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 22 people after lithium batteries exploded at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong city, just south of Seoul.
The tragedy unfolded on Monday morning, as firefighters battled large smoke clouds and small explosions while attempting to extinguish the blaze. The fire, fueled by the lithium batteries used in electric vehicles and laptops, proved to be a deadly challenge for emergency responders.
Among the deceased are 18 Chinese, one Laotian, and two South Korean workers, with one final body yet to be identified. Additionally, eight people were injured, two seriously, out of the 100 workers present when the fire erupted.
According to fire official Kim Jin-young, the fire started when a series of battery cells exploded, though the exact cause remains unknown. Lithium batteries are known to be highly flammable and prone to explosions if damaged or overheated.
Firefighters had to use dry sand to combat the blaze, as lithium fires can react intensely with water. This method proved effective but required several hours to fully bring the fire under control.
The Aricell factory, which stored an estimated 35,000 battery cells, faced significant challenges due to the highly flammable nature of lithium batteries. Fire and disaster prevention experts have highlighted the rapid spread of such fires, leaving little time for evacuation.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with lithium batteries and the critical importance of safety measures in handling these volatile materials.
