The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on Apr. 1 that it will lift the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters as initial stabilization of the Daejeon factory fire incident has progressed to some extent.
The government will shift to an agency-specific response system and continue the recovery process going forward. Accordingly, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) will operate the Central Accident Response Headquarters, Daejeon Metropolitan City will operate the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) will operate the Countermeasure Support Headquarters.
In addition, the government will run an integrated psychological support team for trauma treatment for bereaved families, the injured, workers, and on-site personnel. Depending on the wishes of the bereaved families, it plans to provide psychological counseling programs linked to mental health welfare centers near their residence.
The government is also continuing investigations to determine the cause of this fire incident. The dedicated investigation team at the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency is under investigation of related parties along with an analysis of seized materials. The Central Joint Fire Investigation Team is conducting a joint inspection.
The government plans to thoroughly analyze the cause of this incident and, if any violations are confirmed, hold those responsible strictly to account with stern measures.
Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Disaster Safety Management Office at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), said, "We will continue communication and support until the bereaved families and victims heal their emotional wounds and return to their daily lives."
Meanwhile, on Mar. 20, a fire broke out at Safety Industry, an auto parts manufacturer in Munpyeong-dong, Daedeok District, Daejeon. The fire resulted in a total of 74 casualties. Fourteen people died.