Death toll in battery plant fire rises to 22: firefighters

YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMNEPRESS. At least 22 people, including 20 foreign nationals, were confirmed dead in a lithium battery plant fire in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, Yonhap reports citing firefighters.

The death toll could rise further as one went missing while being out of contact, according to the authorities.

As of 6:30 p.m., 22 workers had been killed, with two seriously injured and six others suffering mild injuries. Among those confirmed killed, 20 are foreigners -- 18 Chinese nationals, one Laotian and another whose nationality is not known, they said.

The fire reportedly occurred for unknown reasons at the three-story, reinforced concrete building with a total floor space of about 2,300 square meters, Yonhap adds.

Firefighters reportedly had difficulties completely putting out the blaze because burning lithium batteries are difficult to handle by conventional fire extinguishing methods.

The station said the fire spread rapidly as the battery cells inside exploded continuously, making it difficult for rescuers to go inside and search. At least 35,000 batteries are believed to be inside the plant.