Head of Daejon factory that burned down issues public apology, pledges support and cooperation

 

Sohn Ju-hwan, CEO of Anjun Industrial, left, and other executives of the company pay respects to the dead who were found inside an Anjun Industrial auto parts manufacturing factory after a fire broke out on March 20, at Daejeon City Hall on March 22. [NEWS1]

 
The head of a Daejeon factory that burned down Friday, leaving 14 dead and dozens more injured, issued a public apology on Saturday, promising full support for bereaved families and full cooperation with authorities in ongoing investigations.
 
“I extend my deepest condolences and sincere apologies to all those who lost their lives or were injured in this accident, as well as to their families,” said Sohn Ju-hwan, CEO of Anjun Industrial, in a statement posted on the company’s website.
 

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“We are focusing on search operations for missing persons and medical treatment of the injured in coordination with authorities,” Sohn said. “We will take full responsibility to ensure that those affected and the bereaved families receive the necessary support, and that meaningful recovery efforts are carried out.”
 
“I am well aware that no words can fully console the pain caused by this accident, and I once again bow my head in sincere apology,” he said. “I also deeply apologize to local residents and the public for the concern caused.”
 
Sohn also pledged full cooperation with the investigation and a comprehensive review of safety systems.
 
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those from relevant agencies who risked their lives at the scene,” Sohn said. “We will fully cooperate with authorities, thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and comprehensively review all safety checks and systems to ensure such an incident never happens again.”
 

Firefighters are seen conducting search operations inside an Anjun Industrial auto parts manufacturing factory in Daedeok District, Daejeon, on March 21, after a fire broke out on March 20. [YONHAP]

 
The fire at an Anjun Industrial auto parts manufacturing factory in Daedeok District, Daejeon broke out Friday afternoon and took more than 10 hours to extinguish.
 
All 14 people initially reported missing were later confirmed dead, bringing the total number of people hurt or killed to 74, including 60 injured. Among the injured were two firefighters hurt while battling the blaze.
 
On Sunday morning, Sohn and other executives of Anjun Industrial visited a shared memorial altar at Daejon City Hall for the 14 who were killed in the fire. Sohn repeated his apology and left without answering further questions from the press.
 
Authorities including the police and National Forensic Service are currently conducting forensic examinations on the 14 bodies. The procedures are expected to be concluded as early as Monday, according to authorities.
 

The outside of an Anjun Industrial auto parts manufacturing factory is seen in Daedeok District, Daejeon, on March 21 after a fire broke out on March 20. [YONHAP]

 
Of the 14 bodies, only one has been identified so far due to the severity of the burns and damage to the bodies.
 
With all missing persons’ bodies now recovered, authorities will also proceed with the investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Relevant agencies, including the police and local fire department, are set to hold an initial meeting Sunday to discuss the direction of the on-site investigation and safety measures.
 
However, an on-site investigation will not be able to begin immediately, because of the scope of the damage: Areas of the factory collapsed and were destroyed, including the first floor of the facility.
 
“Until Saturday, we focused on recovering the bodies, so it was difficult to conduct forensic investigations or investigate the cause of the fire,” a police official said. “Starting Sunday, we plan to schedule an on-site investigation after discussing the overall direction, including the method of deploying the investigation team and ensuring safety.”


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.
BY LIM JEONG-WON, KIM EUN-BIN [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]