A major fire broke out at a South Korean lithium battery plant on Monday, authorities said, with one person confirmed dead and 21 others unaccounted for as the blaze continued to rage.
The lithium battery plant is owned by Aricell, a South Korean primary battery manufacturer. It is located in Hwaseong, just south of the capital Seoul. We are planning to track their whereabouts with their contacts provided from the company.
Images shared by the Yonhap news agency showed huge plumes of billowing grey smoke rising into the sky above the factory, with orange flames inside the building. Dozens of fire engines were seen outside.
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol issued emergency instructions to authorities, telling them to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to focus on searching for and rescuing people.
The president also warned authorities that they should ensure the safety of fire fighters considering the rapid spread of fire. Firefighting and rescue efforts were ongoing, and the cause of the fire was unknown.
South Korea is a major producer of batteries, including those used in electric vehicles. Its battery makers supply EV makers around the world, including Tesla.
VOA / ABC Flash Point News 2024.
So much for battery powered vehicles.