A devastating fire at a lithium battery factory in Hwaseong, South Korea on June 24, 2024, claimed the lives of at least 22 people. The incident marked one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent years for the country.
According to various reports from local and international media outlets including NBC News, Reuters, Associated Press (AP), Yonhap News Agency, CNBC, and CBS/AP,
The fire erupted at Aricell's lithium battery factory in Hwaseong around 10:31 a.m. local time on the second floor of the building where batteries were being examined and packaged.
Initial investigations suggest that batteries exploded, causing the ignition of a massive blaze that quickly spread throughout the facility.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have started after batteries exploded as workers were examining and packaging them. The Hwasong Fire Department reported that 145 personnel and 50 pieces of equipment were deployed to respond to the emergency.
At least 102 people were working at the factory before the fire occurred, with most of them being foreign nationals, primarily from China. According to reports, around 23 Chinese workers and one Laotian worker lost their lives in the incident. Two South Korean workers sustained injuries along with six others who suffered minor injuries.
The Aricell company was established in 2020 and specializes in manufacturing lithium batteries for various applications such as radio communication, metering, sensors, and gas and oil drilling. The factory spanned roughly 2,300 square meters with an estimated capacity of 35,000 batteries.
President Yoon Suk-yeol was briefed on the incident and called for a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to focus on preventing additional casualties and minimizing damage. The Ministry of Public Administration and Security also urged response agencies to prioritize finding survivors.
The tragic event highlights the inherent risks associated with handling lithium batteries, which are known for their high energy density, flammability, and potential for thermal runaway when they overheat or are subjected to external stressors. Lithium batteries burn hot and fast, making them difficult to control with conventional fire extinguishing methods.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing stringent safety measures in lithium battery manufacturing facilities and ensuring that workers are adequately trained to handle these potentially hazardous materials.
