DAEJON, South Korea – A devastating explosion and fire has ripped through a car parts factory in Daejeon, killing at least 14 people and injuring scores more.
The blaze ignited on March 20, 2026 with about 170 workers on site at the multi-storey industrial building, according to emergency services officials. It rapidly spread following what witnesses reported was an explosion from within the premises.
More than 500 personnel were sent to the scene but rescue was initially hampered as there was a fear of structural collapse, with firefighters being very cautious due to there being reactive chemicals, such as sodium, in storage in the factory, that can cause further explosions.
Many bodies were discovered on the higher floors of the building, including an area on the third floor believed to have been used as a gym or changing room. Some were so severely burned they required DNA testing to be identified.
At least 59 people were injured, dozens suffering from critical injuries that included fractures, burns and smoke inhalation, with many employees suffering injuries jumping out of the window as flames grew higher.
The car parts factory is owned by Anjun Industrial, which manufactures engine parts for major car makers such as Hyundai and Kia. President Lee Jae Myung ordered all emergency services to be involved with all available resources, as they began recovering bodies and investigating the cause of the incident. Authorities confirmed that the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
This has been seen as one of the worst industrial fires the country has witnessed in recent years.
