At 10:59 a.m. local time on June 1, an explosion occurred at Hanwha Aerospace’s plant in Oesam-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea, killing five people, leaving one with severe burns and another with minor injuries. Thick smoke billowed from the scene. According to Yonhap News Agency, the plant is mainly responsible for the R&D and manufacturing of large propulsion systems and surface-to-surface tactical missile systems. The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been disclosed.
On the same day, Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace issued a joint statement, saying, „It is heartbreaking to lose five precious colleagues.“ They expressed deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to their bereaved families, and pledged to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to ensure that such an incident never recurs. The company said it is currently looking into the accident details and damage, and will provide all possible assistance for the treatment of the injured.