Police and labor authorities raided Anjeon Industrial's headquarters, plant, and CEO's residence in Daejeon on Monday, probing last Friday's deadly factory fire that killed 14 workers and injured about 60. Around 60 investigators are seizing safety records and devices to investigate accident prevention and the fire's cause, while Hyundai Motor and Kia seek alternative suppliers.
The raid on March 23 by the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency and Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office targets Anjeon Industrial Co.'s facilities following the March 20 fire at its Munpyeong-dong plant, 160 km south of Seoul. The blaze killed 14 workers—including nine in a fitness room with unauthorized modifications—and injured around 60 others.
Investigators are collecting safety records, officials' computers, fire cause documents, and mobile phones to assess fire prevention, evacuation measures, and compliance with the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Authorities identified 13 victims by Monday, preparing to hand over 12 sets of remains to families; DNA testing continues for the rest. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., major clients receiving over 70 million engine valves annually from Anjeon, announced plans to secure alternative suppliers to prevent production disruptions.
