Explosion and Fire at Yeongcheon Cosmetics Raw Materials Plant, One Person Missing

On August 3, a major fire broke out following an explosion at a cosmetics raw materials manufacturing plant in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province. According to fire authorities, one factory employee sustained serious injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries.

A fire is occurring around 12:42 PM in a cosmetics raw material manufacturing factory, which is a chemical plant located in Guaam-ri, Geumho-eup, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters

According to the North Gyeongsang Fire Headquarters, at approximately 12:42 p.m. that day, a report was received of a hazardous materials explosion and fire at a cosmetics raw materials manufacturing plant in the Chaesin Industrial Complex, Guaam-ri, Kumho-eup, Yeongcheon-si, North Gyeongsang Province. Fire authorities stated that several buildings, including dormitories, are clustered around the factory and that the flames are continuing to spread. The factory where the fire broke out is known to manufacture cosmetic raw materials such as hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing liquid that can cause fires or explosions when heated or when it comes into contact with metal catalysts.

Authorities issued Response Level 1, mobilizing all personnel from the local fire station, 16 minutes after the report was received.

Due to intense flames and the release of highly corrosive vapors, firefighters have faced difficulties entering the factory, and firefighting efforts are primarily being conducted using helicopters. As of now, one factory employee in their 50s has sustained burns (serious injuries), while two others, including an 18-year-old, have suffered minor injuries.

Police reported that another factory employee remains out of contact.

The impact of the explosion caused damage such as the shattering of glass at a convenience store located about 300 meters from the factory and the shaking of apartment windows.

The Yeongcheon City government sent out an emergency alert message instructing nearby residents to evacuate to the Nambudong Administrative Welfare Center, Kumho Gymnasium, and other designated locations due to the explosion of hazardous materials at the factory.

The city also requested that residents wear masks and be cautious of the spread of smoke. A fire official stated, "A report was received regarding an explosion at a factory handling chemicals, and we are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage."