Exploding batteries spark deadly South Korea factory fire | BBC News

A massive factory fire that began after several lithium batteries exploded has killed at least 16 people in South Korea. The blaze broke out on Monday morning at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong city, about 45km (28 miles) south of the capital Seoul. Local television footage showed small explosions going off as firefighters sought to put out the fire. A part of the roof had collapsed. South Korea is a leading producer of lithium batteries, which are used in many items from electric vehicles to laptops. As a lithium fire can react intensely with water, firefighters had to use dry sand to extinguish the blaze, which took several hours to get under control. Local fire official Kim Jin-young said the fire began when a series of battery cells exploded, though it remains unclear what triggered the initial explosions. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #Seoul #SouthKorea #BBCNews