Five killed in explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon factory; CEO Son Jae-il rushes to scene as company vows full investigation and support for injured workers

A view of the Hanwha Building in Jangyo-dong, Seoul. [Hanwha]
A view of the Hanwha Building in Jangyo-dong, Seoul. [Hanwha]

Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace expressed "deep condolences" Sunday over a fatal accident at the company's Daejeon facility, saying they "pray for the repose of the employees who lost their lives and offer sincere comfort to their bereaved families."

Five people were killed in a morning explosion at the Hanwha Aerospace factory in Daejeon, according to police and fire department authorities. One person suffered serious injuries with full-body burns, and another sustained minor injuries.

"We bow our heads in sincere apology to the public," Hanwha said. "We wish a swift recovery to the employees injured in the accident and will spare no effort in supporting their treatment."

Hanwha Aerospace convened an emergency response meeting at its Seoul headquarters, chaired by CEO Son Jae-il, immediately after the accident. Son left for the scene as soon as the meeting concluded.

"Hanwha Aerospace has established an emergency response center at the scene and is working with relevant authorities, including the fire department and police, to manage the situation," the company added. "The specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of the damage are still being confirmed."

The company said it would "thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to ensure such a devastating incident never happens again," and again offered a "deep apology to the public."


yeongdai@heraldcorp.com