SK Hynix Cheongju Plant Fire Forces Evacuation of 4,000 Employees

A fire at SK Hynix's semiconductor plant in Cheongju on June 12 forced the evacuation of around 4,000 workers. The blaze, which occurred in a gas room on the second floor of the M15X factory, was extinguished within about 10 minutes using the facility's own sprinkler system.

This is the second fire at the same gas room this month, following an incident on June 1. The gas room is a critical area for storing and distributing gases used in semiconductor manufacturing.

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We are on alert due to the repeated fires of unknown origin. No damage occurred as we followed the manual.

Adding to recent safety concerns, the plant also experienced a chemical leak scare on June 10. During the unloading of semiconductor equipment, a liquid was discovered, leading to the dispatch of emergency services. While initially suspected to be toxic TMAH, it was later identified as water.

SK Hynix stated that while they are on alert due to the repeated fires, no damage occurred due to adherence to safety protocols. The exact cause of the fires and the chemical leak scare are under investigation by fire authorities.

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The fire department inspected the site and determined there was no gas leak. The cause of the fire will be investigated with the fire authorities.