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Fire engines rush to Samsung battery plant in Göd, Hungary, authorities remain silent for two days
Several fire engines were dispatched to the Samsung SDI battery factory in Göd on Wednesday. People began to consider a possible incident at the facility after authorities declined to explain the operation for two days.
According to Telex, at least three fire service vehicles were seen at the site on 4 March. Journalists reporting from the area observed the vehicles leaving the plant’s northern gate at around 10:30 AM, including two standard fire engines and a vehicle equipped with an aerial platform.
Firefighters deployed at Samsung plant with multiple vehicles
Reporters contacted the Pest County Disaster Management Directorate shortly after the incident to ask why the firefighters had been called to the plant, whether a fire or accident had occurred, and whether there were any injuries.
However, the authority did not provide an answer for more than 48 hours. Initial enquiries by email and phone were met with assurances that a response would follow later the same day or the next morning.
When journalists called again on Thursday afternoon, they were told that “by higher instruction” the authority was not yet permitted to provide information about the deployment.
Authorities initially refused to comment
The prolonged silence triggered some speculation because the Göd battery plant operates its own internal fire brigade capable of handling smaller fires.
Sources familiar with emergency services suggested that the presence of several professional fire engines could indicate a larger accident or fire at the facility, particularly since specialised equipment such as an aerial ladder may not be available to the factory’s internal team.
Officials later say it was a planned exercise
After the first reports about the incident were published, the disaster management authority issued a statement on Friday afternoon.
Officials said that professional firefighters from Vác and the factory’s internal fire brigade had been conducting a drill at the site in line with their annual training plan.
No injuries or incidents were reported in connection with the exercise.
The Samsung SDI battery factory in Göd is one of Hungary’s largest industrial investments and has frequently been the focus of public attention due to environmental concerns and safety issues linked to large-scale battery production:
It reminds of the Chernobyl disaster where the Russians said nothing for days until radiation was detected in Finland. This looks like a Russian-style cover-up of screw-ups giving you the Pest County response “by higher instruction” the authority was not yet permitted to provide information. Fidesz is operating Hungary like a Third World banana republic.