[Anchor]
A large explosion followed by a fire occurred at a cosmetic raw material factory in Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk.
The fire was extensive since it involved handling chemicals. Three people were injured, and one is missing.
Currently, extinguishing the fire is proving difficult.
This is reporter Heo Jun-won.
[Reporter]
Thick black smoke and bright red flames are rising above the factory.
Helicopters have been deployed, continuously spraying water, but the fire remains out of control.
Around 12:40 PM today, an explosion and fire broke out at the cosmetic raw material factory in Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk.
[Witness]
“For a while, thick black smoke was rising high, and then suddenly, sparks started flying…”
The fire has devastated not only the factory but also the surrounding area.
The explosion also damaged the exterior wall of a building 300 meters away.
The fire department issued a level 1 emergency response 16 minutes after receiving the report, mobilizing all personnel from the local fire station.
However, the intense flames and heat made it difficult for the firefighters to tackle the blaze initially.
At the time of the accident, there were 13 people inside the factory; three sustained injuries, and one is currently missing.
[Hwang Seong-ho / Head of Disaster Response Team, Yeongcheon Fire Department, Gyeongbuk]
“We will conduct a rescue operation for the missing person after confirming whether they are inside the building, involving our rescue team and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Special Rescue Team.”
The local authorities have sent disaster warning messages to nearby residents advising them to evacuate and wear masks.
The fire department plans to investigate the exact cause once the major flames are under control.
This has been Heo Jun-won from Channel A News.
Video Coverage: Oh Hyun-seok
Video Editing: Hyeong Sae-bom