Head of South Korean Battery Manufacturer Detained Following Deadly Factory Fire
Battery fires are currently a major concern in South Korea, following a series of incidents, including the deadly blaze at a lithium battery plant in June that resulted in the loss of 23 lives.
Recently, the CEO of a lithium battery company was arrested for alleged violations of industrial safety laws related to the factory fire that led to 23 fatalities in South Korea. The arrest warrant for Park Soon-kwan, CEO of Aricell, was approved by the Suwon District Court. Additionally, a warrant was issued for Park’s son, who holds an executive position in the company.
Authorities from Seoul’s Ministry of Employment and Labor stated that Park was arrested for employing contract workers without the necessary qualifications to handle highly flammable materials, which resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals.
This arrest is significant as it marks the first instance of a CEO being held accountable under legislation introduced in 2022 to penalize company management for industrial accidents. The Serious Disasters Punishment Act allows for penalties of up to a year in prison or a one billion won ($835,000) fine for business owners and managers implicated in accidents causing death or serious injury.
Last week, it was revealed that the factory fire in Hwaseong occurred due to the company rushing to meet a deadline without addressing quality concerns. The fire originated on the second floor of the factory, where over 35,000 lithium batteries were stored. Tragically, many of the deceased individuals were Chinese immigrant workers.
Following the fire, Park issued an apology expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life and offering condolences to the affected families. Aricell, established in 2020, specializes in producing lithium primary batteries for various applications.
The company, majority-owned by S-Connect, employs 48 individuals and is not publicly listed on South Korea’s stock market. Battery safety remains a critical issue in South Korea following several incidents involving malfunctioning cells.
Earlier this month, Seoul convened an emergency meeting to address safety concerns related to electric vehicles (EVs) following a fire in an underground parking garage caused by an EV. The inferno in Incheon led to the evacuation of residents and the destruction of numerous vehicles.
Experts note that EVs present unique challenges in firefighting and fire detection compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. It is crucial to implement proper safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with EV fires.
Reuters contributed to this report.
