Three Dead in South Korea Factory Fire During Valve Inspection

A devastating fire at Daewon Industry in Cheonan, South Korea, claimed the lives of three individuals and left two others injured. The blaze, which erupted on August 28, is reportedly under investigation, with early indications suggesting it may have started during a routine valve inspection in the production line.

Authorities, including police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Cheonan branch, have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. They are interviewing company officials and employees to determine the exact cause of the fire. "We are still gathering information as some individuals are hospitalized, so the investigation is not yet centralized," a police official stated. A joint inspection involving relevant agencies is scheduled for August 31 to further examine the scene.

The fire is believed to have originated in a 9-story oil refining tower at the facility, which is known for its animal oil extraction and refining equipment. Daewon Industry produces base materials used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The victims included two foreign workers and a woman in her 70s who worked in the factory canteen. A third foreign national in his 30s sustained severe burns, and a firefighter was injured by falling debris.

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We are still gathering information as some individuals are hospitalized, so the investigation is not yet centralized. We will be able to provide more details after consolidating the investigation results.