The Chinese Embassy in South Korea told Xinhua on Tuesday that 12 Chinese citizens were killed in Monday's explosion at a warehouse in South Korea's Icheon city.

 

Except for the dead, there is another one Chinese citizen was in critical condition after being rescued from the spot of the accident, officials of the embassy said.

 

 

At least 40 people were killed and 10 wounded after a massive explosion took place at a basement of a warehouse in South Korea on January 7, 2008..

 

According to the website of local newspaper of Korean Daily, at least 10 foreign labors were killed or injured in the accident in Icheon, some 80 km southeast of Seoul.

 

The Chinese Embassy said the exact number and the identities of Chinese victims will be confirmed soon.

 

The accident occurred at around 10:49 a.m. (0149 GMT) in the basement of a two-story warehouse owned by the logistics company Korea 2000 and caused heavy fire.

 

Local media said there were 57 people injecting refrigenrants into the warehouse or doing other work when the explosions occurred.

 

As of 11:18 p.m. (1418 GMT), the rescue workers have confirmed 40 death in the accident. Except for those dead, seven people made to escape safely from the spot while 10 wounded have been sent to hospitals after being rescued.

 

The local police in Icheon have refused to confirm the number and the identities of foreign labors in the accident since 10 p.m. local time with an excuse of "too busy".     

 

 

At least 40 people were killed and 10 wounded after a massive explosion took place at a basement of a warehouse in South Korea on January 7, 2008.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2008)