Mars Fire Victims' Families: "No Safety Training... Thorough Investigation Needed"

Family Members Hold Press Conference in Front of Memorial Altar
Announce 9 Demands Including Truth Investigation and Victim Support

On the 30th, the bereaved families of the fire accident at the Arisel factory in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, called for a thorough investigation into the incident and punishment of those responsible.

At around 2 p.m. that day, the bereaved families' council held a press conference in front of the memorial incense altar set up at Hwaseong City Hall and announced nine demands, including a thorough investigation and support for the victims.

The council raised their voices, emphasizing that thorough fact-finding of the accident and strengthened support for the bereaved families are necessary. The demands included establishing a single window for the investigation process, proposing administrative and financial support measures from the Ministry of Employment and Labor and Hwaseong City, which bear indirect responsibility, and facilitating smooth visits to Korea for migrant workers' families.

On the 30th, bereaved families held a press conference at the memorial incense altar set up at Hwaseong City Hall in Gyeonggi Province for the Arisel factory fire accident.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

As of that day, a total of 20 bereaved family members of the victims are participating in the council. The council stated, "We ask the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the company to share the progress of the accident investigation with the bereaved families' council daily," and "We request the participation of expert members recommended by the bereaved families' council in the investigation to uncover the truth of this serious disaster."

At the press conference, a bereaved family member who had worked at Arisel spoke directly. One family member, who said they had worked at Arisel for two days, claimed, "At Arisel, products were often piled up on pallets near the exit, blocking the way, which made it harder to find the exit," and added, "There was no safety training. From the moment I arrived at work, I just sat and worked."

The council also said, "The Arisel representative previously came to the bereaved families' waiting room and only pretended to apologize before leaving, and has had no contact since," and added, "We have no intention of holding funerals for the victims until a table for discussion with sincere alternatives is established."

Furthermore, the council announced that starting from the 1st of next month, they will hold a citizen memorial ceremony in front of Hwaseong City Hall and install a 'Wall of Remembrance' where citizens can leave messages.