SPC Samlip said on the 3rd that regarding the fire that broke out at the Siwha Plant in Siheung, Gyeonggi, "three people were taken to nearby hospitals after inhaling smoke while evacuating, and we understand there were no other casualties."
SPC Samlip said the fire occurred at about 2:59 p.m. that day and noted, "We have halted all plant operations."
It added, "In cooperation with fire authorities, we are doing our best to extinguish the fire and manage the site," and said, "We are prioritizing the safety of employees and on-site personnel."
It continued, "We are sorry for causing concern with this fire and will actively cooperate with the relevant authorities' investigation to promptly identify the exact circumstances and cause."
Fire authorities issued first-stage response at 3:06 p.m. and are deploying 37 pieces of equipment, including fire trucks, and 77 personnel to put out the blaze.
This plant was the site of a fatal serious industrial accident in May last year. At the time, a female worker in her 50s died after the upper half of her body was caught in a machine while she was spraying lubricant on a conveyor belt.
Police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) are investigating the accident on suspicions including violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and occupational negligence resulting in death. President Lee Jae-myung visited the Siwha Plant in July last year to conduct an intensive inspection of safety management.
The Siwha Plant is SPC Samlip's main production facility. It produces mass-market bread and ready-to-eat meals, as well as B2B (business-to-business) bread supplied to major franchise companies.
Some say that if the suspension of operations at the Siwha Plant is prolonged, it could disrupt the supply of bread to the market.