14 Dead, Dozens Injured After Explosion, Fire Guts South Korean Auto Parts Factory

At least 14 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating explosion and fire at an auto parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, emergency officials said on Saturday.

Rescue teams recovered the victims’ bodies from the charred remains of the facility, where the blaze also left at least 59 others injured. Authorities disclosed that 25 of the injured sustained serious wounds, though it remains unclear if any are in critical condition.

The fire broke out on Friday afternoon, prompting a massive emergency response involving more than 500 firefighters, police officers, and rescue personnel. Dramatic footage from the scene showed thick plumes of gray smoke rising from the complex, while some workers reportedly leapt from the building in desperate attempts to escape.

According to Nam Deuk-woo, fire chief of Daedeok district, the inferno destroyed a section of the factory, initially preventing firefighters from entering due to fears of structural collapse. Search operations for missing workers began later after unmanned firefighting robots were deployed to cool the building and ensure it was safe to access.

Officials said nine of the victims were found in a third-floor gym area, while three others were discovered near a water tank on the second floor. All previously missing workers have now been accounted for.

Emergency responders also worked to contain the spread of the fire and secure hazardous materials within the facility. More than 100 kilograms of highly reactive chemicals were recovered from the site.

Many of the injured suffered smoke inhalation, while others were hurt after jumping from the building. As of Saturday morning, 28 victims remained hospitalized, with at least four undergoing surgery for fractures and other serious injuries.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited the scene on Saturday, where he met with bereaved families and urged authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further structural collapse during ongoing recovery efforts.

Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though early reports suggest the fire spread rapidly after an initial blast.