Suspect in 'Arisel Fire' to Be Summoned Soon

Regional Accident Response Headquarters "Witness Investigation Underway"
Plan to Remove All Remaining Hazardous Materials from the Workplace

Summons investigations for suspects in the 'Arisel fire' incident in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do are expected to take place soon.

Min Gilsu, Head of the Arisel Factory Fire Accident Regional Recovery Headquarters (Director of the Central Employment and Labor Office), held a briefing at the Hwaseong City Hall Situation Room on the 4th and announced this. Min stated, "We are currently conducting witness investigations while analyzing materials secured through search and seizure," adding, "We plan to proceed with summons and interrogation of suspects by the police and labor authorities soon." He also added, "Since this is the largest dedicated investigation manpower ever deployed for a single case, we plan to conduct the investigation swiftly and thoroughly."

On the 29th, workers of Arisel Company are paying tribute to the victims at the memorial incense altar set up at Hwaseong City Hall in Gyeonggi-do following the factory fire accident. [Yonhap News]

Authorities have so far booked three Arisel factory officials on charges including violation of the Serious Accident Punishment Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and have summoned 21 related persons as witnesses for investigation. The labor authorities revealed that a dedicated investigation team of 39 personnel, including 27 investigation staff and 12 special supervision staff, has been formed to handle the Arisel investigation.

Meanwhile, to prevent secondary accidents, the 1,200 liters of waste electrolyte remaining in three buildings of the workplace where the fire occurred were removed on the 27th of last month, and on the 1st, 1,685 kg of lithium raw materials were removed from the site. In addition, a joint investigation by related ministries into hazardous materials across all 11 buildings of the workplace confirmed that some hazardous materials, including lithium raw materials, remained, and decided to remove them additionally. Min explained, "We plan to designate a specialized disposal company to accurately calculate the quantity and promptly remove them."

Earlier, the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service approved the application for survivor benefits for one deceased victim of the Arisel fire accident and paid the first monthly survivor pension yesterday. They also reported providing treatment and leave benefits to six of the eight injured persons.