A fire at a South Korea car parts plant killed 10 people, the Yonhap news agency reported early Saturday citing authorities, with rescuers still searching for four missing.

Another 59 people suffered injuries ranging from slight to serious, authorities were cited as saying, in the blaze that broke out about 1:00 pm (0400 GMT) in the central city of Daejeon.

A total of 170 workers were in the plant when the fire started, Yonhap reported. One of the bodies was found on the second floor, and the others on the third floor.

Officials have not said how the fire started.

Firefighters could not immediately enter the factory due to risk of collapse, Yonhap said. The building also contained 200 kilos of sodium, which can explode if improperly handled.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told officials to mobilise all available resources -- including personnel and equipment -- for rescue operations, his office said. (AFP)



Edited by Robert Kemp