President Lee Jae-myung on the 21st, regarding the Daejeon fire disaster, said, "The government will thoroughly determine the cause and circumstances of this accident and prepare fundamental measures so that such a tragedy never happens again."
Shortly after visiting the fire site that afternoon, the president posted on X (formerly Twitter) an article titled "We will take responsibility to the end and stand together," saying, "Protecting the people's lives and safety is the state's most basic duty."
That day, the president visited the Daejeon fire site and broadly inspected the progress of rescue operations, including searches for victims and the missing. The president also met bereaved families and the injured to offer condolences.
In this regard, the president said, "Reflecting the requests of the bereaved families, I instructed that an on-site person in charge be designated, that a constant response system be maintained, and that progress be faithfully explained on a regular basis."
The president added, "In the investigation process, including identifying the cause, we will guarantee the participation of bereaved families to the extent possible and ensure their views are reflected."
The president also emphasized, "We will ensure there is not the slightest neglect in support."
The president added, "Where urgent help is needed, we will make sure substantive support is provided swiftly, including a plan for the government to make an advance payment of the expense, and we will review settlement and recourse procedures with the relevant agencies thereafter."
The president continued, "I visited the injured receiving treatment in the hospital and offered words of comfort," adding, "I sincerely hope they recover their health as soon as possible and return to their daily lives."
In addition, "I pray for the repose of those who lost their precious lives in this accident and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the president said again in consolation.
Lastly, the president said, "I extend deep gratitude to the firefighters and officials who are giving their all to the rescue and recovery at the accident site."
Earlier, at about 1:17 p.m. on the 20th, a major fire broke out at Anjeon Industry, an automobile parts manufacturing plant located in Daedeok District, Daejeon, and was extinguished after 10 hours and 30 minutes.
The death toll from the fire stands at 14, and the injured total 60, including two firefighters hurt during the suppression.