The fire broke out around ​lunchtime on Friday and was contained by 11:48 p.m. (1448 GMT), the safety ministry said.

Another 35 people suffered minor injuries, the fire authorities added.

They ​said the factory was owned by Anjun Industrial, which makes ​engine valves and is a supplier for Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp, ‌among ⁠others, according to its website.

Reuters was unable to contact Anjun for comment.

In a statement on the company’s website, CEO Sohn Ju-hwan apologised, adding that it would fully cooperate with authorities, investigate the ​cause of the ​accident, review its ⁠safety systems and inspections, and swiftly implement all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence.

The government ​activated a centralised disaster management system after President ​Lee ⁠Jae Myung ordered all available resources to be used to deal with the fire and save lives.

The fire authorities said that ⁠one ​victim was found on the first ​floor, four on the second, and nine on the third.