Explosion and fire at South Korean battery plant kills 23

South Korea accident

Source: © Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images

Three company officials under investigation for potential safety violations

An explosion and fire has killed 23 workers and destroyed a lithium battery manufacturing plant operated by Aricell in South Korea on 24 June. A further eight people were injured, including two with serious burns. Preliminary assessments from the local fire services suggest that the victims were likely very rapidly overcome by toxic smoke from burning battery materials, rather than dying from burn injuries.