A tragic incident occurred at a lithium battery plant in South Korea where a fire claimed the lives of at least 22 individuals and left eight others injured. Authorities in South Korea reported that the bodies of 22 victims were recovered from the factory in Hwaseong, located 45km south of Seoul. Initially, 16 workers were confirmed dead, with three others sustaining injuries. The casualties included 18 Chinese workers and one Laotian, while the nationality of the remaining deceased worker remains unconfirmed. The fire, which engulfed the plant owned by Aricell, a South Korean battery manufacturer, broke out around 10:30 am and was extinguished by 3 pm. The blaze was allegedly caused by battery cells exploding inside a warehouse, triggering a swift response from emergency services. President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed authorities to prioritize search and rescue efforts, leading to the mobilization of personnel and equipment for the operation. Lithium batteries, widely used in electronic devices and electric vehicles, are prone to thermal runaway, a phenomenon that can result in explosions or fires under specific conditions. South Korea, a major exporter of lithium batteries, is home to prominent industry players like LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On. In response to the fire, authorities in Hwaseong issued safety advisories urging the public to remain indoors and close windows due to smoke emanating from the site. The incident underscores the hazards associated with lithium batteries and the critical need for stringent safety measures in battery manufacturing facilities.