300 tons of molten iron spills at Hyundai Steel plant in Dangjin

Firefighters work to extinguish flames after 300 tons of molten iron leaked from a transport train Songak Dangjin South Chungcheong Province Feb 28 2025 Yonhap — Firefighters work to extinguish flames after 300 tons of molten iron leaked from a transport train in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, Feb. 28, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - A fire broke out early Friday at Hyundai Steel’s furnace in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, after approximately 300 tons of molten iron spilled from a cracked transport container, fire authorities said.

The incident occurred at 2:26 a.m. as the molten iron was being transported via the plant’s internal railway system. A fissure in the container caused the material to leak onto the tracks, igniting a blaze.

Emergency workers responded swiftly, dispatching 22 fire trucks and 66 personnel to the scene. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 4:09 a.m., extinguishing it roughly an hour and 43 minutes after it began.

Authorities reported no injuries, and the fire did not spread beyond the railway system to other plant facilities, preventing further damage or secondary accidents.

Officials from the police and fire departments, in collaboration with Hyundai Steel representatives, have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the accident and are assessing the extent of the damage.

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com