Fire Breaks Out at Seokpo Smelter in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province... "Risk of Toxic Gas Emission"

A fire broke out at the Seokpo Smelter in Seokpo-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, at approximately 12:36 p.m. today (July 9), and authorities are currently conducting firefighting operations.

Authorities have issued a Level 1 emergency response, mobilizing all personnel from the local fire station, and are currently working to extinguish the main fire and search for any individuals on-site.

The fire occurred within the factory's internal facilities. It is reported that there is a risk of toxic gas emissions due to the presence of hazardous materials at the site.

An official from the fire department stated, "We have identified that the fire originated in the sulfuric acid manufacturing plant within the smelter."

In response, Yecheon County has sent out emergency disaster text messages advising nearby residents to evacuate to areas far from the accident site and urging vehicles to take detours.

The fire department stated, "We issued a Level 1 emergency response due to the risk of the fire spreading," adding, "We are currently investigating for any casualties."

(Photo: Provided by Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.