Massive fire in South Korea automobile parts plant

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Fire footage shows thick black smoke billowing from an automobile parts manufacturing plant in Seongju-dong, Changwon, in Gyeongnam Province, after a blaze broke out on the morning of the 14th, fire officials said. The fire started at around 10:13 a.m. at a factory inside the Changwon National Industrial Complex, according to the Changwon Fire Headquarters. Fire authorities dispatched 19 firefighting vehicles and around 70 personnel to the scene. Officials said the main fire was brought under control by approximately 11:56 a.m. A total of 53 people, including factory workers, evacuated safely, and no casualties have been reported. A Phase 1 emergency response was issued at about 10:34 a.m., mobilising all personnel from the local fire station. The rising smoke prompted a surge in emergency calls from nearby residents. Changwon City also sent out a safety alert message at around 10:46 a.m., warning residents of heavy smoke in the Seongju-dong area and urging caution while traveling. Fire officials said they will investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage once firefighting operations are fully completed.