Explosion at a Cosmetics Raw Material Factory in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Leaves 3 Injured and 1 Missing
An explosion occurred at a cosmetics raw material manufacturing factory in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
According to the Gyeongsangbuk-do Fire Department on the 3rd, a fire broke out at a cosmetics raw material manufacturing factory in the Chaeshin Industrial Complex in Guam-ri, Geumho-eup, Yeongcheon, at 12:42 PM.
The explosion is presumed to have started on the second floor of the factory, and the exact cause is currently under investigation.
After receiving the report, the fire authorities issued a 'Level 1 Response' within 16 minutes, mobilizing all personnel from the jurisdiction's fire station to tackle the blaze.
Due to the nature of the factory handling chemical substances, measures to prevent secondary damage are also reportedly being implemented.
Casualty Situation and Evacuation Measures
So far, the confirmed casualties include three factory personnel, with a 50-year-old worker (A) suffering serious burns to the face, while two others (B, 18) sustained minor injuries.
Another factory worker is currently unreachable, and efforts are ongoing to determine their status.
At the time of the explosion, glass at a convenience store located about 300 meters away was shattered, and windows in nearby apartments reportedly shook due to the impact.
Immediately after the fire broke out, the city of Yeongcheon sent safety text messages to nearby residents, urging them to evacuate to the Nambu-dong Administrative Welfare Center, Geumho Gymnasium, and other safe locations, stating, “There has been an explosion of hazardous materials at the factory,” and requested residents to wear masks and be cautious of smoke dispersal.
A fire department official stated, "We received a report of an explosion at a factory handling chemical substances, and we are confirming the exact cause of the fire and the scale of the damage."
Image source: Flames are rising from an explosion at a cosmetics raw material factory in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. / Gyeongsangbuk-do Fire Department, AI-generated image for illustrative purposes / Bing Image Creator
