Daejeon: A fire broke out at a car parts plant in the central city of Daejeon, injuring at least 53 people and leaving 14 others unaccounted for, authorities reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the fire was reported at around 1:17 p.m., leading the National Fire Agency to issue a national firefighting mobilization order. This order is enacted when the fire exceeds the local government's firefighting capabilities. At the time of the blaze, 170 workers were inside the plant, and 14 remain unreachable.

Of those injured, 24 sustained serious injuries, many due to inhaling toxic gas or falling from the building. Over 200 firefighters and 90 pieces of equipment have been deployed to combat the fire, with assistance from helicopters provided by the forestry service.

The plant consists of two buildings; one has been completely destroyed, while the other continues to burn. Firefighters have not entered the building due to concerns about structural collapse. The presence of 200 kilograms of sodium inside poses an additional risk, as it could explode if mishandled.

President Lee Jae Myung directed authorities to use all available resources to rescue victims and contain the fire, according to his office. Earlier, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued similar directives to the interior ministry and fire agency, instructing the Daejeon metropolitan government and police to prevent further damage by enforcing traffic control and evacuation measures.