Search Extends for Missing Worker as Fire at South Korean Lithium Battery Plant Claims 22 Lives A search operation continues for a worker still unaccounted for after a massive fire engulfed a lithium battery plant in South Korea, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 individuals. The fire erupted on Tuesday at a Hanwha Solutions plant in Hugye-ri, Ulsan. Flames rapidly spread through the facility, igniting highly flammable lithium batteries. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. Sadly, 22 workers were confirmed dead in the inferno. Their bodies were found inside the plant, where they had become trapped by the fire. One worker, identified as a 53-year-old man, remains unaccounted for. Emergency responders are conducting a thorough search of the facility, hoping to locate him. The fire has raised concerns about the potential hazards posed by lithium battery manufacturing. Lithium batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles and other electronic devices, and the industry is rapidly expanding. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Hanwha Solutions has expressed its deepest condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. The incident has sparked calls for increased safety measures at lithium battery plants. Experts warn that these facilities must be designed and operated with strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the search for the missing worker continues, authorities work to determine the extent of the damage and identify the underlying cause of the devastating fire. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the potential dangers associated with advanced battery technology.Match Summary and Frustrations for BrazilMatch Summary and Frustrations for Brazil Brazil, despite dominating possession, failed to score against a resolute Costa Rican defense in their Copa America opener, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw. Poor refereeing decisions, including the disallowance of a Marquinhos goal for offside, further exacerbated Brazil’s frustrations. The Effectiveness of Deep Defense against Brazil Costa Rica’s deep defense strategy proved effective in neutralizing Brazil’s attack. By limiting space and forcing Brazil to play on the counterattack, the Seleção struggled to find openings. This defensive approach could pose a challenge for all teams in the tournament. Questionable Refereeing Decisions Brazil felt aggrieved with several refereeing decisions, including a missed penalty for Vinicius Jr. and the overturning of a Marquinhos goal for offside. These incidents added to the tension on the field and contributed to Brazil’s frustration. Costa Rica’s Resilience and Defensive Prowess Costa Rica’s players showed great courage and determination in defending their goal. Juan Pablo Vargas marshaled the defense skillfully, while Patrick Sequeira made crucial saves. Despite concerns about their defensive abilities, Costa Rica proved capable of holding off a formidable Brazilian attack. Managers’ Comments Gustavo Alfaro, coach of Costa Rica, praised his team’s defensive performance and compared them to Bruce Willis in “The Sixth Sense” despite being overlooked before the match. Dorival Junior, coach of Brazil, acknowledged the difficulties posed by Costa Rica’s tactics and emphasized the need for improved finishing. Upcoming Fixtures Brazil will face Paraguay on Friday, while Costa Rica will take on Colombia. Both teams will be looking to secure their first wins of the tournament and bolster their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.More than 130 firefighters battled the blaze, which engulfed the second floor of the plant in Gumi, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) southeast of Seoul, early Tuesday. Firefighters discovered 19 bodies at the scene, and three others died later at hospitals, according to South Korean fire authorities. One person is still missing and presumed dead. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but authorities said it likely started near a dust collector on the second floor. The plant produces lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. LG Chem, the parent company of LG Energy Solution, expressed its deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The company said it will cooperate fully with the investigation and provide support to the families of the victims. The fire is the second major industrial accident in South Korea in recent months. In April, 16 people were killed in an explosion at a chemical plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan. The government has called for a safety inspection of all industrial facilities and has promised to strengthen safety measures.