Fire at Busan steel plant; chemical leak prompts Level 1 response

A fire erupted at a steel manufacturing plant in Gupyeong-dong, Sahagu-gu, Busan, South Korea, on Saturday evening, leading to the declaration of a Level 1 emergency response.

The blaze began around 6:49 p.m. after a nearby apartment resident reported seeing smoke billowing from the factory. Multiple emergency calls were received. Firefighters responded promptly, and by 7:30 p.m., 37 pieces of equipment and 88 personnel were deployed to combat the fire.

Initial reports indicate no casualties. However, there are confirmed reports of chemical substances leaking from within the factory premises. This development has added a layer of concern for emergency responders and the surrounding community.

In response to the chemical leak and the ongoing fire, Sahagu District issued a disaster alert advising residents to move away from the area and for vehicles to avoid the vicinity. Police and fire authorities are on-site, working to extinguish the flames. Once the fire is under control, a thorough investigation into the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the property damage will be conducted.