AKIPRESS.COM - A massive fire broke out at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 20, resulting in at least 53 injuries and leaving 14 people missing, Yonhap reported.

The blaze began around 1:17 PM, prompting the National Fire Agency to issue a nationwide mobilization order as the scale of the disaster overwhelmed local resources. Of the 170 workers present at the time, many of the injured suffered from toxic gas inhalation or falls, with 24 individuals reported to be in serious condition.

Emergency response efforts involve over 200 firefighters, 90 pieces of equipment, and specialized Forest Service helicopters. While one of the two main factory buildings has been completely destroyed, the other remains engulfed in flames. Rescue operations are severely hindered by structural collapse risks and the presence of 200 kilograms of sodium, which poses a significant explosion hazard if handled incorrectly.

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered the full mobilization of all available state resources to rescue those trapped and contain the fire.