Explosion at Hanwha Aero: 'Cleaning Machine' Suspected as Cause

*This content was translated by AI.

Police appear to be investigating the cause of the accident at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon plant, focusing on an explosion involving a cleaning machine.

Police investigating the explosion at the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon facility on June 2 are reported to have secured testimony from officials stating that the explosion likely originated from a cleaning machine.

Building 56, where the explosion occurred, is used for disassembling and cleaning pipelines, valves, equipment, and other items. It is understood that the cleaning process involves using a spatula-like tool for initial cleaning, submerging equipment in tanks, and then performing additional cleaning with high-pressure machinery.

Police are investigating Ga Jae-woong, head of the Daejeon facility, on charges of negligent homicide in the line of duty. Additionally, labor authorities are investigating Ga Jae-woong for violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act, while prosecutors have filed a case against the CEO on charges of violating the Major Accident Punishment Act.

It is reported that some insiders claim the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon facility has been storing explosives beyond permitted limits.

Consequently, the core issue of this incident narrows down to whether the Daejeon facility complied with regulations and safety measures.

Depending on whether violations related to safety measures are discovered during the police investigation, disciplinary actions against the company and responsible individuals are expected to vary in severity.

A Hanwha Aerospace official who spoke with this newspaper by phone stated, "The cleaning process is a procedure that mixes solvents and water, which could pose risks due to vaporization," adding, "As an investigation is currently underway, it is difficult to disclose specific details that have not yet been confirmed."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.