Firefighters are continuing search operations for four individuals who remain unaccounted for since the blaze began.

Authorities told Yonhap News Agency that one body was recovered from the second floor of the factory, while nine others were found on the third floor.

Local media reported that around 170 workers were inside the facility at the time of the incident.

Rescue efforts were initially hampered due to the risk of the building collapsing, preventing firefighters from entering the premises. The situation was further complicated by the presence of approximately 200 kilograms of sodium inside the plant.

Officials said overnight search operations commenced at around 10:50 p.m. on Friday after safety experts deemed the structure stable enough for entry.

“We plan to dismantle sections of the structure already examined by rescue dogs to allow personnel to enter and continue the search for the missing,” an official said.