Toxic gas from zinc smelter fire in Bonghwa triggers evacuation warning

Sources said that there have been no detected leaks of toxic substances or human casualties.

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A fire breaks out at the Seokpo smelter in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang, at around 12:36 p.m. on July 9.

A fire broke out at the Seokpo smelter, a zinc production facility in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang, at around 12:36 p.m. on Thursday.

Fire authorities issued a Level 1 response, mobilizing all available personnel from the local fire station to contain the blaze.

The fire is believed to have started in the smelter’s sulfuric acid production plant, where toxic gas can be generated.

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“There are no detected leaks of toxic substances or human casualties at the moment,” a source from the production plant said. 

Bonghwa County sent emergency text alerts urging nearby residents to move away from the area and advising drivers to avoid the vicinity.

BY KIM EUN-BIN [[email protected]]

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.


seokpo smelter north gyeongsang sulfuric acid plant korea fire bonghwa county social affairs

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