After being briefed about the fire by Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, Yoon decided to visit a plant operated by lithium battery maker Aricell in Hwaseong, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, to conduct an emergency inspection, according to his office. .
Yoon had earlier instructed the minister and fire officials to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to search and rescue survivors, Yonhap news agency reported.
Firefighters put the death toll at 22, with eight others injured, though the toll could rise further.
While being briefed on the accident by the head of fire authorities in Gyeonggi Province, the President ordered them to "thoroughly" investigate the cause of the fire.
"Fires caused by batteries or chemical substances are difficult to extinguish with fire extinguishers or hydrants," Yoon said, adding that he will work with experts to study comprehensive measures on how to extinguish such fires in the early stages. The need has been emphasized.
According to the Presidential Office, he also instructed Minister Lee to enforce safety checks at chemical plants and take measures to prevent similar accidents.
At the scene of the fire, Yoon met with firefighters and stressed the importance of their safety while on duty.
"I express my condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire and their bereaved families," he said.
Yoon had earlier instructed the minister and fire officials to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to search and rescue survivors, Yonhap news agency reported.
Firefighters put the death toll at 22, with eight others injured, though the toll could rise further.
While being briefed on the accident by the head of fire authorities in Gyeonggi Province, the President ordered them to "thoroughly" investigate the cause of the fire.
"Fires caused by batteries or chemical substances are difficult to extinguish with fire extinguishers or hydrants," Yoon said, adding that he will work with experts to study comprehensive measures on how to extinguish such fires in the early stages. The need has been emphasized.
According to the Presidential Office, he also instructed Minister Lee to enforce safety checks at chemical plants and take measures to prevent similar accidents.
At the scene of the fire, Yoon met with firefighters and stressed the importance of their safety while on duty.
"I express my condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire and their bereaved families," he said.
