Investigation Intensifies into Hanwha Aerospace Explosion
Authorities are actively investigating the recent explosion at the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon facility, with investigators reportedly securing numerous electronic devices belonging to key personnel. The seized items, including mobile phones and data storage devices, are expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of the incident and identify those responsible for safety management failures.
Extensive Search Yields Significant Evidence
A comprehensive search operation, conducted yesterday by the Daejeon Police Agency’s investigation team in collaboration with the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office, targeted three locations: the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon facility, its Daejeon R&D Campus, and the company’s Seoul headquarters. During these searches, law enforcement officials reportedly confiscated six mobile phones and approximately 5,400 pieces of documents and electronic data.
The mobile phones are believed to belong to company executives, including the head of the Daejeon facility and other team leaders who held safety management responsibilities. Reports indicate that the mobile phone of Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il was also among those seized.
Digital Forensics Underway
Investigators are currently conducting digital forensic analysis on the confiscated mobile phones. The extensive documentation and electronic data obtained are also being meticulously reviewed. The objective is to thoroughly examine the work processes at the site of the explosion, the safety management protocols in place, and the response procedures before and after the incident.
Broader Scope of Inquiry
The search involved a significant deployment of resources, with approximately 34 police officers and 20 labor supervisors from the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office participating. In addition to the seized devices, investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the exterior of the building, design blueprints, and safety-related documents. This is particularly important as the explosion occurred within the 56th building’s charging facility, which reportedly lacked internal CCTV cameras.
Furthermore, interviews are being conducted with employees who worked in the same department as the victims. These testimonies are considered vital in reconstructing the events leading up to the blast and determining fault.
Incident Details
The explosion occurred on October 1st, around 10:59 AM, at the charging facility within Building 56 of the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon facility in Oesamm-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. The tragic event resulted in the deaths of five workers and left two others with serious injuries.
