SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) - The head of a South Korean auto parts manufacturer publicly apologized on Sunday after a devastating factory fire in Daejeon left at least 14 workers dead and dozens injured, as authorities launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Sohn Ju-hwan, CEO of Anjeon Industry, visited a joint memorial altar set up at Daejeon City Hall, where he bowed deeply and expressed remorse before the victims.
Holding a white chrysanthemum, Sohn stood in silence before the memorial tablets of the 14 deceased workers. After a prolonged pause, he broke down in tears, repeatedly saying, “I am truly sorry.”
About 30 company employees accompanied him, some visibly emotional as they echoed his apology toward the victims.
In a statement posted a day earlier on the company’s website, Sohn pledged full cooperation with authorities and promised support for victims and their families.
“We extend our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to all those who lost their lives or were injured, as well as to their families,” he said. “We will take full responsibility by providing necessary support and ensuring recovery efforts.”
The fire broke out at around 1:17 p.m. on Friday at the Anjeon Industry plant in Daedeok District, Daejeon, where about 170 workers were on site. The blaze, which took more than 10 hours to fully extinguish, left 14 people dead and at least 60 others injured, including two firefighters.
Rescue teams recovered the final three missing victims from the charred second floor late Saturday afternoon, bringing the death toll to 14.
Authorities said the fire spread rapidly, fueled by oil residue and accumulated dust inside the facility, while some 200 kilograms of sodium stored on site raised the risk of explosions and complicated firefighting efforts.
At the time of the incident, many workers were resting near upper floors during lunch break, when thick smoke quickly blocked evacuation routes. Some reportedly jumped from windows to escape.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though witnesses reported hearing an explosion shortly after the blaze began.
Police have deployed a 131-member task force to determine the cause and assess potential negligence. A joint forensic inspection involving police, fire authorities and other agencies is expected once structural safety at the site is secured.
Identification of the victims is ongoing, with DNA analysis being conducted by the National Forensic Service. As of Sunday, only one victim — a man in his 40s — had been formally identified.
Authorities expect the identification process to be completed as early as Monday, after which families will be officially notified.
President Lee Jae Myung visited the site on Saturday, calling for a thorough investigation and measures to prevent similar tragedies.
“We will make every effort to determine the cause and ensure such incidents do not happen again,” said Kim Seung-ryong, commissioner general of the National Fire Agency.
The Daejeon Metropolitan Government has established a joint memorial altar at City Hall, where citizens continue to pay their respects.
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