Korea's rocket explodes again — Korean media: National security facility for "rocket development" catches fire once more

¬ Hanwha Aerospace suffers explosion accident for the first time in 7 years, resulting in 5 deaths, 1 serious injury, and 1 minor injury… Fire broke out while cleaning tools contaminated with propellant; Hanwha "bows its head in apology to the public"

On the 1st, an explosion occurred at Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon factory, killing 5 workers and injuring 2. The factory, serving as a national security facility responsible for producing and developing rockets and missile boosters, is classified as a top-tier "Class A" security site. The facility had previously experienced explosion incidents in 2018 and 2019, leading to criticism over potential flaws in safety management.

Authorities from police and firefighting departments revealed that the incident occurred around 10:59 a.m. at Cleaning Workshop No. 56 of Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon factory, located outside Wosong-dong in Yuseong District, Daejeon. Hanwha stated: "At the time, seven workers were cleaning tools contaminated with propellant (explosives) according to standard procedures using water."

Of the seven workers, two managed to escape safely, but five were found dead inside the workshop. Among the deceased were two in their 50s, one in their 30s, and two in their 20s. Fire department officials reported that one of the two who escaped suffered severe full-body burns and is in critical condition. The other, a site supervisor, sustained minor neck burns and is currently receiving treatment.

Hanwha stated: "All seven injured or deceased individuals were non-research staff, and we are unable to disclose their identities publicly."

After the explosion, thick white smoke poured from the factory. More than 30 emergency calls were received by 119, reporting "three explosion sounds followed by dense smoke." Residents said they "thought war had broken out," adding, "the smoke plume was extremely high—visible throughout downtown Daejeon."

The fire department issued a Level 1 emergency response at 11:17 a.m., mobilizing all firefighting personnel from surrounding areas. The blaze was extinguished by 11:49 a.m., and completely put out by 1:07 p.m. The entire workshop building was destroyed by fire.

This facility had also suffered explosion accidents in 2018 and 2019, which resulted in 5 and 3 deaths respectively. After seven years, another fatal incident has occurred. Hanwha explained: "Following the 2018 and 2019 accidents, relevant processes have been automated, but the process involved in this incident remains unautomated." Police stated: "We will conduct on-site investigations on the 2nd to determine the exact cause of the accident."

Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace released official statements saying: "Five valuable employees have tragically lost their lives. We deeply mourn their passing and express our sincere apologies to the nation."

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866885213971464/

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