(ATTN: UPDATES with instruction from president in last 2 paras)
BUCHEON, South Korea, Oct. 16 (Yonhap) -- One firefighter went into cardiac arrest and two others were injured Friday as they responded to a fire at a factory in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, officials said.
The fire broke out at the four-story metal parts coating factory at 8:38 a.m., prompting authorities to dispatch 80 firefighters to combat the blaze.
Two firefighters were rushed to hospitals after being isolated as they responded to the scene, with one of them being transported in a state of cardiac arrest. A third firefighter sustained minor injuries.
Two factory officials were also reportedly injured.
Fire authorities contained the main blaze at 10:22 a.m. and plan to investigate its exact cause once it is fully extinguished.
Firefighters respond to a blaze at a metal parts coating factory in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, on Oct. 16, 2026, in this photo provided by the Bucheon Fire Station. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
After being briefed on the fire, President Lee Jae Myung called for utmost efforts to extinguish the fire and rescue those in danger, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
The president also called for a thorough response to prevent further damage, citing the presence of inflammable substances inside the factory, while urging special caution to ensure the safety of firefighters battling the fire, Kang said.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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