Unauthorized Renovations Blamed for High Casualties in Daejeon Fire

Unathorized Renovations Blamed for High Casualties in Daejeon Fire

A massive fire broke out at an auto parts plant in Daejeon, South Korea, last week, resulting in 14 deaths and 60 injuries. The blaze, which lasted nearly 11 hours, was attributed to unauthorized structural changes made to the facility.

The fire occurred in a gym that had been converted into a break room, an area not included in the original building plans. This non-standard layout likely made it difficult for workers to evacuate effectively when the fire started.

Authorities are investigating whether oil mist and residue at the plant contributed to the intensity of the blaze. An industrial safety union official had previously raised concerns about poor fire safety measures and the accumulation of oil byproducts, which may have worsened the situation.