Firefighter suffers cardiac arrest as blaze engulfs Bucheon metal parts factory

A fire broke out Friday at a metal parts coating factory in Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, seriously injuring three firefighters — one of whom was transported to a hospital in cardiac arrest.

According to fire authorities, the blaze started at around 8:38 a.m. Friday at a four-story metal parts coating factory in Naedong, Ojeong-gu.

Fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at around 8:57 a.m., then escalated to Level 2 at around 9:09 a.m., mobilizing personnel and equipment from five to six neighboring fire stations over concerns the fire could spread.

One firefighter suffered serious injuries during suppression efforts and was rushed to a hospital in cardiac arrest. Two other firefighters were also injured.

Authorities have deployed about 80 personnel and roughly 40 pieces of equipment to fight the blaze. Once the fire is extinguished, they plan to investigate the cause and assess the full extent of the damage.