Rescuers work at the site of a fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhu Hui)

DAEJEON, South Korea, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Police in Daejeon, South Korea, said Saturday they have begun identifying victims and are focusing on determining the cause of a deadly fire at an auto parts factory in the city.

The fire at the factory has left 11 people dead, 59 injured and three others missing, fire authorities said.

At least 11 bodies have been recovered, with one identified through fingerprints and the remaining ten to undergo DNA testing, according to police.

A total of 222 personnel, along with search-and-rescue dogs and robotic dogs, have been deployed to the scene for search, control and investigation work.

Police said a joint on-site inspection with fire officials and the National Forensic Service is underway, focusing on a suspected ignition point.

The blaze broke out at around 1:17 p.m. local time on Friday when about 170 workers were inside the plant. ■

A rescuer works at the site of a fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhu Hui)

Rescuers work at the site of a fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Can)

Rescuers work at the site of a fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhu Hui)

A rescuer works at the site of a fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhu Hui)

Rescuers work at the site of a fire that broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Can)