(2nd LD) Fire breaks out at Hyundai Motor's plant

(ATTN: ADDS updated info throughout)
SEOUL, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- A fire broke out at a plant of Hyundai Motor Co., South
Korea's largest carmaker, on Saturday morning, but it was extinguished in less
than half a hour, causing no casualties or significant property damage, local
firefighters and company officials said.

The fire started around 11:25 a.m. at a cooling tower located on the rooftop of
the painting plant in Ulsan, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, according to
firefighters. Hyundai produces the Santa Fe, Avante and Tucson models at the
plant.
"As soon as it started, firemen rushed to the site and kept it under control," a
Hyundai Motor official said, adding that it would not hamper operation on Monday
after the three-day New Year holiday.
Around 10 fire engines arrived at the site and put it out at noon, they said. No
casualties have been reported, as most workers took leave for the holiday.
The fire burned some of the cooling tower, with no significant property damage.
The exact cause is still under investigation, but company officials suspect that
it might have started due to short circuit.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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