[26.03.21] Daejeon Auto Parts Factory Fire: All 14 Missing Confirmed Dead

Daejeon Auto Parts Factory Fire: All 14 Missing Confirmed Dead

📍Lunchtime disaster worsened by smoke spread and blocked escape routes

All 14 workers who were reported missing after a massive fire at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Daedeok-gu, Daejeon, have been found dead. The incident unfolded as a complex disaster in which smoke and flames spread rapidly within a short period, delaying evacuation. The fact that the fire occurred during lunchtime, when many workers were gathered in rest areas, and that key evacuation routes were blocked by smoke significantly increased casualties. Authorities are now focusing on determining the exact cause of the fire and accountability.

🔹 All 14 Missing Confirmed Dead
The National Fire Agency announced on March 21 that all 14 missing individuals had been recovered deceased, marking the end of search and rescue operations.

The search intensified overnight. At 11:03 p.m. on March 20, the first body was found near a staircase by a second-floor lounge in the east wing. Shortly after, at 12:19 a.m. on March 21, nine bodies were discovered in a third-floor gym, confirming the scale of the tragedy.

Search efforts continued throughout the day. Around 12:10 p.m., another body was found in a first-floor restroom. Rescue teams then conducted meticulous searches through collapsed structures and debris. Between 4:10 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., the final three victims were recovered near a second-floor water tank room, bringing the operation to a close.

The last victims are believed to have attempted escape via nearby stairs but were overcome by smoke and toxic gases.

🔹 Fire Dogs Played Crucial Role
Fire detection dogs played a decisive role in the search operation.

According to fire authorities, the dogs were able to detect biological traces even in areas difficult to access due to collapse and heat, helping narrow down search zones. The 11th victim and the final three victims were all found within the radius of locations indicated by the dogs.

This is being regarded as a case that significantly improved efficiency and accuracy in victim recovery during large-scale fires.

🔹 Structural Causes of Rapid Fire Spread
Authorities believe internal factory conditions were a critical factor in the rapid escalation of the fire.

Oil residues from cutting fluids and accumulated metal dust had built up over time, while sludge and grease had settled inside dust collection ducts. These substances acted as highly flammable materials during the fire.

Flames are believed to have traveled along the dust collection system, effectively creating a combustion pathway that rapidly spread fire to upper floors. The ignition point is currently presumed to be on the first-floor processing area.

🔹 Lunchtime and Smoke Led to Failed Evacuation
The timing of the incident also contributed significantly to the casualties.

The fire broke out at approximately 1:17 p.m. on March 20, coinciding with lunchtime. Many workers were in rest areas such as lounges and gyms on the second and third floors, leading to high occupancy in specific zones.

The rapid spread of thick smoke became the critical issue. It quickly filled stairways and corridors, effectively blocking evacuation routes. As a result, some workers became disoriented or trapped, while others attempted to escape through windows.

Experts emphasize that smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fire-related deaths, highlighting the importance of early smoke control and evacuation planning.

🔹 Sprinkler Absence Raises Safety Concerns
The building’s fire protection system has also come under scrutiny.

Although the structure used flame-resistant sandwich panels, most areas lacked sprinkler systems except for the third-floor parking area.

While this may have complied with legal requirements, the absence of sprinklers likely delayed initial fire suppression and contributed to the scale of damage.

The incident has sparked calls for stricter sprinkler installation standards in industrial facilities.

🔹 14 Dead, 60 Injured
The fire resulted in 14 deaths and 60 injuries.

Among the injured were two firefighters hurt during suppression efforts. While no patients are currently in critical condition, several individuals with severe burns require long-term treatment and monitoring.

🔹 Government Response and Investigation
The government has launched a joint investigation involving multiple agencies.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is supporting victims and their families through a centralized disaster assistance center, while the Ministry of Employment and Labor is investigating workplace safety compliance. Police and fire authorities are conducting a joint forensic examination to determine the ignition source and fire spread mechanism.

The city of Daejeon will set up a joint memorial altar at City Hall starting March 22.

Fire Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong stated that every effort will be made to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.

One-line summary : All 14 missing workers died in the Daejeon factory fire, where rapid smoke spread and failed evacuation led to a major disaster.