Fire at Cheongju EcoProBM Factory... 3 Rescued, 1 Dead (Comprehensive Report 2)

Large fire at Cheongju EcoPro BM factory. [Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] A fire of unknown cause broke out at the EcoPro BM Cheongju plant, a secondary battery materials company, resulting in the death of one employee and injuries to three others.

According to the fire authorities on the 21st, the fire occurred around 3 p.m. at the 4th floor of the six-story EcoPro BM factory located in Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk.

The fire claimed the life of employee A (34). A was trapped on the 4th floor where the fire broke out and was found dead at around 6:24 p.m.

The fire authorities stated, "During the search inside after extinguishing the fire, A was found near the boiler room."

It was reported that about 30 employees were inside the building at the time of the fire. However, most quickly evacuated outside.

Of the four employees working in the 4th-floor production team, three except A escaped on their own or were rescued. During this process, one person reportedly jumped outside the building and was seriously injured. Two others sustained minor injuries.

The fire authorities believe the fire started in the boiler room on the 4th floor.

Meanwhile, the fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at 3:12 p.m. and then escalated to Level 2, conducting an all-out firefighting operation.

A total of 125 firefighters and 44 firefighting vehicles were deployed. Following the instructions of the National Fire Agency, the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters and firefighting personnel from nearby Daejeon and Sejong also provided support.

The fire was completely extinguished around 7:15 p.m. The fire authorities are currently checking for remaining flames on the 5th and 6th floors.

It was also reported that there were chemical substances of unknown types inside the factory, but whether any toxic substances leaked has not been confirmed.

The fire authorities and police are investigating the exact cause of the fire as well as the extent of the damage.