KB News Desk
Three people were killed in a fire at a factory operated by fatty acid manufacturer Daewon Industrial in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on Friday.
The fire broke out at 11:44 a.m. in the Dongnam-gu factory, according to the South Chungcheong Fire Headquarters.
A woman in her 70s was found in cardiac arrest after being trapped under falling debris, and two other people who had initially been reported missing were also found dead.
Fire authorities issued a Level 1 emergency response at 12:05 p.m., 21 minutes after receiving the initial report, and deployed 68 personnel and 37 fire engines to battle the blaze. Firefighters reportedly had difficulty entering the building due to the intense flames.
The Cheonan city government sent an emergency alert urging nearby residents to exercise caution.
Minister of Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung instructed the National Fire Agency, National Police Agency, South Chungcheong Province, Cheonan city government and other relevant authorities to mobilize all available personnel and equipment for rescue and firefighting operations, news reports said.
