In a tragic incident, a fire broke out at a manufacturing factory near the South Korean capital on Monday, resulting in the death of 22 workers, most of whom were Chinese migrants. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by exploding lithium batteries, also left eight individuals injured.

According to fire officials, the blaze started on the second floor of the factory in Hwaseong city, just south of Seoul, around 10:30 a.m. The batteries exploded while workers were examining and packaging them. Authorities have announced an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Among the victims, 18 were Chinese nationals, two were South Koreans, and one was Laotian. The nationality of one deceased individual is yet to be verified. The tragedy highlights the presence of many Chinese migrants in South Korea who often take up physically demanding and low-paying jobs in factories that are avoided by affluent South Koreans.

Kim Jin-young, a local fire official, revealed that one factory worker remains unaccounted for, prompting continuous search efforts. Two of the injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition.

The factory, owned by a company named Aricell, witnessed the outbreak of fire in one of its buildings. Kim mentioned that the victims likely faced difficulties in escaping via the staircases to the ground. An investigation will determine if there were functioning fire extinguishing systems at the site.

Authorities have shared that a total of 102 people were present in the factory before the fire broke out. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min visited the site to assess the situation. Prime Minister Han has instructed officials to provide government assistance for funeral services and support programs for the relatives of the victims.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol also visited the site with other officials, wearing a safety helmet and a mask. The incident marks one of the deadliest fires in recent years in South Korea, which has faced previous tragedies like the 2018 hospital fire in Miryang that claimed 46 lives and the 2008 fire and explosions in a refrigerated warehouse in Icheon city that resulted in the death of 40 workers.

These incidents reflect the long-standing challenge faced by South Korea in improving safety standards and changing societal attitudes that prioritize economic progress and convenience over safety concerns.