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Body Recovered From Yeongcheon Cosmetics Plant After Chemical Blast

Authorities will launch a joint probe into the explosion’s cause following extended search operations.

Search operation following factory fire
Fire at cosmetic material factory
This image provided by fire authorities shows a fire engulfing a cosmetic material factory in the southern city of Yeongcheon on Aug. 3, 2025 (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The explosion ripped through a hydrogen peroxide and oxidizer production unit at the Chaesin Industrial Complex at about 12:43 p.m. on August 3.
  • Firefighters and aerial units battled intense flames and toxic smoke to bring the blaze under control by 6:13 p.m. and fully extinguish it by 9:53 p.m. that night.
  • Search crews resumed operations at 6:30 a.m. Monday and found the body of a 45-year-old employee at 6:58 a.m. in a secondary facility building.
  • Three other workers were injured in the blast, with one suffering serious burns and two sustaining minor wounds, while ten employees escaped or were rescued.
  • Officials have summoned police, fire and industrial safety experts to conduct a joint investigation into the factors that triggered the factory explosion.