Deadly Fire at South Korean Lithium Battery Factory

On June 24, 2024, a fire erupted at the Aricell lithium battery manufacturing facility in Hwaseong, South Korea, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 individuals, with seven injured and six reported missing. The facility, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Seoul, was engulfed in flames that were triggered by explosions of battery cells on the second floor. The fire was reported to have started at approximately 10:31 a.m. local time and was brought under control by around 3:10 p.m.

Firefighters faced significant challenges in combating the blaze due to fears of further explosions and the difficulty of extinguishing lithium battery fires with conventional methods. Rescuers utilized dry sand instead of water to manage the fire. Local fire official Kim Jin-young confirmed the retrieval of bodies and stated that the missing individuals were primarily foreign nationals, including Chinese workers. Identifying the victims has been complicated by the destruction of the factory’s worker directory in the blaze.

Approximately 102 people were working at the factory when the fire broke out. Some reports indicate that as many as 35,000 battery cells were being inspected and packaged on the second floor, possibly contributing to the series of explosions. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has directed officials to mobilize all available resources for rescue operations.

The cause of the initial explosions and subsequent fire is under investigation, with authorities examining the effectiveness of the factory’s fire extinguishing systems.

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns associated with the production and handling of lithium-ion batteries, which are integral to a wide range of consumer electronics and electric vehicles.