Deadly Factory Fire in Daejeon Kills 11, Several Missing

A major fire at an automobile parts factory in Daejeon has left at least 11 people dead, several missing, and dozens injured, officials confirmed on Saturday.

According to authorities, rescue teams recovered the 11th victim’s body from the burned site around noon. Three people are still missing, and search operations are continuing.

The incident occurred on Friday at around 1:17 pm when a sudden explosion triggered a fast-spreading fire inside the factory. At the time, around 170 workers were present inside the building.

At least 59 people were injured in the incident, including two firefighters who were part of the rescue operation.

Firefighters faced serious challenges while controlling the blaze, as the structure was at risk of collapsing. The presence of nearly 200 kilograms of sodium inside the plant further increased the danger, as it can cause explosions if not handled properly.

The fire was finally brought under control after nearly 10 hours and 30 minutes of continuous effort.

Officials are now using heavy machinery to clear debris and locate the missing individuals. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but early reports suggest that an explosion may have led to the rapid spread of flames.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered full mobilisation of emergency teams and resources to manage the situation and support rescue efforts.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations move forward.