Joint Investigation Launched into Hanwha Aerospace Explosion
Authorities have initiated a joint inspection at the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon facility to determine the cause of a significant explosion that occurred yesterday, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Incident Details
The blast took place around 10:59 AM yesterday within Building 56, a chemical processing facility at the Daejeon site. The explosion tragically claimed the lives of five workers and left two others injured. One of the injured individuals sustained severe burns and is in critical condition.
A spokesperson for Hanwha stated that the workers were engaged in the process of decontaminating pyrotechnics, which were used in the manufacturing of projectile components, at the time of the incident.
Investigation Underway
The Daejeon Police Agency, alongside the National Forensic Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, commenced their joint inspection this morning. The primary focus of the investigation will be to pinpoint the origin of the blast and examine the scene for any flammable materials that may have contributed to the incident.
Initial assessments by law enforcement indicate that while the first-floor building was extensively damaged by fire and some structural damage occurred, there is no immediate risk of collapse.
Family Involvement
Family members of the deceased were present during today’s joint inspection. Police have collected DNA samples from the victims and their families, which have been submitted to the National Forensic Service for identification. Autopsies are scheduled to be conducted this afternoon.
Yoo Seong-shik, head of the forensic investigation division at the Daejeon Police Agency, stated, “We will send all collected evidence to the National Forensic Service for examination without ruling out any possibilities. We will conduct the investigation as promptly and transparently as possible, based on objective evidence.””
