Uzbek Worker Missing After Fire at South Korean Factory

A fire broke out at a household hygiene product factory in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on January 30, leaving one Uzbek worker missing. The blaze began around 2:56 p.m., though the cause remains under investigation.

The fire quickly spread to nearby production facilities. The plant produces wet wipes and baby diapers, and officials confirmed that no hazardous chemicals or dangerous materials were stored on site.

At the time of the incident, 83 employees were present. Emergency teams successfully evacuated 81 workers, but two employees—a Nepali and an Uzbek national—remain unaccounted for and are considered missing.

Strong winds carried the flames toward a hillside about 500 meters from the factory. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 4:10 p.m., deploying 105 rescue personnel, 56 vehicles, and 4 helicopters during the operation.

Authorities say the situation is now stable. A full investigation will determine the cause of the fire and assess the total material damage.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the country collects $15 mln in digital services taxes.