22 workers killed in lithium battery plant fire in South Korea

SEOUL: At least 22 people have been killed after a fire erupted at a lithium battery factory in South Korea on Monday, local authorities said.

According to foreign media outlet, the fire and a series of explosions ripped through the factory run by primary battery manufacturer Aricell in Hwaseong.

Live TV footage showed firefighters spraying the damaged steel and concrete building.

Those who died in the incident include 18 Chinese workers, two South Koreans and one Laotian.

The nationality of the other deceased worker was yet to be confirmed, Kim Jin-young, an official at the Hwaseong fire service, told reporters, citing information from company officials.

It is pertinent to mention here that South Korea is a major producer of batteries, including those used in electric vehicle