At least 20 dead in massive inferno at lithium battery factory after explosions rip through burning plant in South Korea
Видео по теме
AT LEAST 20 people have been killed after a horror fire ripped through a South Korean lithium battery factory.
Harrowing pictures show thick plumes of smoke billowing through the air as firefighters battle against the burning building to recover any remaining bodies.
The fire is thought to have started after a series of highly flammable battery cells exploded inside the warehouse, said local fire official Kim Jin-young.
Kim followed up saying up to 35,000 units were inside the factory at the time of the blast on Monday morning.
The lithium battery plant is owned by Aricell, a South Korean manufacturer and is located in Hwaseong, south of the capital Seoul.
Kim Jin-young, a firefighter at the scene told local media: "We are still unable to go inside and carry out rescue operation. We will carry it out once we get the fire under control.
read more in South Korea
"Twenty-one workers are unaccounted for now. We are planning to track their whereabouts with their contacts provided from the company."
Initial reports say 20 bodies were recovered by emergency specialists.
At least four others have been left hospitalised with two in a critical condition, Kim announced at a briefing.
Dozens of fire engines were seen rushing to the factory to contain the flames.
Shocking pictures show the burnt out roof of the factory left charred and collapsing in on itself.
Falling debris can also be seen piling up on the roads below the battery factory as the building continues to crumble.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol told emergency services to "mobilise all available personnel and equipment to focus on searching for and rescuing people".
Investigations into the fire are ongoing.
