South Korea: Fire at Incheon chemical plant (Seoul region) April 13

Event

A chemical processing plant in the town of Incheon, located west of the capital Seoul, caught fire around noon (local time) on Friday, April 13. The fire spread to various nearby buildings and blanketed the area with thick, dark smoke. Hundreds of firefighters and dozens of vehicles have been dispatched to the area. The government has issued a "third-phase warning," the highest alert level, leading to the evacuation of nearby buildings. The blaze has reportedly been brought mostly under control, as of Friday evening. No casualties have been reported. 

Context

An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. The fire began within a waste oil container that was being moved to allow for its contents to be processed into alcohol and acetone. The industrial complex to which the factory belongs houses companies mostly deals with oil waste processing.

Advice

Individuals present in Incheon are advised to stay away from the site of the blaze, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and seek local medical assistance if needed.