How a Daejeon Factory Fire Led to 11 Deaths: Key Insights from President Lee’s Visit

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[Herald Economy = Reporter Yoon Ho] President Lee Jae-myung visited the site of the deadly factory fire in Daedeok District, Daejeon, on the weekend of the 21st to assess the damage and oversee search-and-rescue operations for the missing.

He asked officials, “How many people were working there?” and urged them to “make sure there are no secondary accidents.” He also asked why the fire spread so rapidly and inquired about the situation of the victims’ families.

He thanked and shook hands with firefighters at the collapse site, telling them he appreciated their hard work.

At about 1:17 p.m. the previous day, a large blaze broke out at Anjeon Industrial, an auto-parts manufacturer; crews brought it under control after 10 hours and 30 minutes.

So far, authorities have confirmed 11 deaths and three people remain missing; searches for the missing are ongoing. Fifty-nine people were injured, including two firefighters who were hurt while fighting the fire.

Earlier, after receiving a report on the fire, President Lee ordered officials to mobilize all available equipment and personnel immediately to manage the incident and carry out lifesaving operations.