The chief executive of Aricell, a prominent South Korean lithium battery manufacturer Park Soon-kwan, has been arrested in connection with a devastating factory fire that claimed the lives of 23 people and injured nine others.
The fire, which occurred in June, is being described as one of the worst industrial disasters in the country in recent years.
On Wednesday, a court approved the arrest warrant for Soon-kwan, Aricell’s CEO, following an extensive police investigation that revealed significant safety violations at the factory.
The investigation suggested that management at Aricell had been cutting corners on safety measures in a bid to meet tight production deadlines, leading to the tragic incident.
The blaze broke out on June 24, after several lithium battery cells exploded on the second floor of the factory, where an estimated 35,000 battery cells were being inspected and packaged. Lithium fires, which react violently with water, are notoriously difficult to extinguish, requiring firefighters to use dry sand to bring the blaze under control. It took several hours to fully contain the fire.
The victims of the fire were mostly foreign workers from countries including China and Laos, highlighting the risks faced by migrant laborers in high-risk industrial settings.
The disaster has sparked outrage and concern over workplace safety standards in South Korea, particularly in industries dealing with hazardous materials.
In the aftermath of the fire, Mr. Park issued a public apology, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of life. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and would like to express our deepest condolences and apologies to the bereaved families,” he said.
“We take great responsibility and will sincerely provide support to the deceased and their families in every way possible.”
However, Mr. Park’s arrest marks a significant escalation in the legal consequences facing Aricell and its parent company, S-Connect, which has not yet responded to media inquiries.
Investigators have also uncovered allegations that Aricell may have been engaging in fraudulent activities related to its contracts with the military, including cheating on quality inspections.
The revelations have cast a harsh spotlight on the broader lithium battery industry in South Korea, a global leader in the production of batteries used in everything from electric cars to laptops.
The incident raises questions about the balance between rapid industrial growth and the enforcement of safety regulations designed to protect workers.
As the investigation continues, the arrest of Mr. Park signals a potential shift in accountability for corporate leaders in South Korea, where industrial accidents have often been met with limited consequences for those at the top.
Chioma Kalu
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