A major fire at SPC Samlip’s Siheung factory remains a mystery after forensic experts concluded they cannot pinpoint the ignition source due to extensive damage.
Incident Overview
The blaze broke out on February 3 at 2:59 p.m. on the third floor of the R Building production area at the Siheung facility. Firefighters battled the flames for eight hours before extinguishing them. Tragically, three group leaders lost their lives while attempting to guide workers to safety. Approximately 500 employees evacuated without further injuries.
No one has yet entered the heavily damaged structure.
Forensic Investigation Results
Siheung fire investigators received joint appraisal results on February 5 from five agencies, including the National Forensic Service, involving 33 experts. The findings, announced on April 8, indicate the fire likely originated near the corporate research lab’s front entrance.
Despite evidence of spread from rooftop evacuation routes and other factors, severe structural changes from firefighting efforts, heavy soot accumulation, and the confined space prevented a definitive judgment on the cause.
Ongoing Probe
Investigators have interviewed fire victims and production line supervisors. Authorities also secured search warrants for CCTV footage from factory dormitories and other areas to aid the inquiry. The joint effort continues to uncover more details about the devastating incident.
