Tragic Blaze in Daejeon: 10 Lives Lost in Factory Fire, Rescue Efforts Underway

A catastrophic fire at an auto parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, has led to the recovery of 10 bodies and left many injured. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities mobilizing extensive resources to manage the situation. Witnesses reported an explosion, and investigations are underway to determine the cause. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in industrial settings. Stay tuned for updates on this tragic event as more information becomes available.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 11:01 IST

Devastating Fire Claims Lives in Daejeon

Seoul: On Saturday, rescue teams in South Korea retrieved the bodies of ten individuals from the remains of an auto parts factory in Daejeon, which was engulfed in flames following a suspected explosion. The incident also left at least 59 others injured and four individuals unaccounted for.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 25 of the injured are in serious condition, although officials have not confirmed if any are facing life-threatening injuries. Over 500 firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders were mobilized to manage the fire and assist in rescue efforts after the blaze erupted on Friday afternoon.

Images and videos from the site depicted thick plumes of gray smoke rising from the factory, with some workers reportedly jumping from the building to escape the flames.

Nam Deuk-woo, the fire chief for the Daedeok district, indicated that the fire had severely damaged the factory, making it initially unsafe for firefighters to enter due to the risk of collapse. Search operations for the missing workers commenced late Friday, utilizing unmanned firefighting robots to cool the structure and conduct safety assessments.

The remains of one victim were located on the second floor, while nine others were found in what is believed to be a gym on the third floor. As of Saturday morning, rescuers had searched all accessible areas, but the remaining four individuals are presumed to be trapped under debris. Additional safety evaluations are planned before crews attempt to clear the rubble and continue the search.

Nam confirmed that police have identified one of the deceased workers, while genetic testing is underway for the other nine.

The fire was reported around 1:18 p.m. on Friday, with the cause still under investigation. Witnesses noted that the fire spread quickly, possibly due to an explosion. Firefighters concentrated on preventing the fire from reaching a nearby facility and isolating hazardous chemicals. Nam reported that over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of highly reactive substances were recovered from the site.

Injuries were sustained by individuals who jumped from the building, while others experienced smoke inhalation. As of Saturday morning, 28 people were hospitalized, with four undergoing surgery for fractures and other injuries.

Approximately 120 vehicles and equipment, including aircraft, an unmanned water cannon vehicle, and two firefighting robots for difficult-to-access areas, were deployed alongside hundreds of personnel.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for the complete mobilization of resources to manage the fire and assist in rescue operations.