South Korean factory fire injures at least 55

A fire at a car parts factory in South Korea’s central city of Daejeon injured at least 55 people on Friday, with officials warning the toll could rise.The National Fire Agency said 24 were seriously hurt in a blaze likely caused by an explosion. Officials could not immediately confirm whether any of the injured were in life-threatening condition. Nam Deuk-woo, fire chief of the city’s Daedeok district, said authorities were searching for at least 14 other people believed to have been inside the facility when the fire broke out.Videos and photos from the scene showed thick grey smoke billowing from the complex and some workers jumping from a building.The fire was reported at about 1.18pm. Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion.The fire destroyed a factory building that firefighters were unable to enter because of concerns it could collapse. Photo: APHe said the fire destroyed a factory building that firefighters were unable to enter because of concerns it could collapse. Efforts focused on preventing the blaze from spreading to an adjacent facility and removing chemicals from the site. The agency said the facility contained about 200kg (440lbs) of highly reactive chemicals.