The cause of the fire remains unknown, but witnesses said that battery cells exploded on the second floor. Firefighters said the deadly fire engulfed the factory and was extinguished 22 hours after it started. According to police, among the 23 victims identified so far, five were Korean nationals, 18 foreign workers -- 17 from China and one from Laos -- were among the victims.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and vowed to provide full support to the bereaved families of the victims.
"We extend our condolences to those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and offer our heartfelt sympathy to their families," a foreign ministry spokesperson said during a press briefing. The spokesperson added that the ministry will closely cooperate with the relevant embassies in Korea and provide full support to the families of the foreign workers who died in the fire.
The ministry said it will come up with detailed assistance measures as soon as the victims are identified.
