An explosion at a Hanwha Aerospace factory in Daejeon on June 1 killed five people and injured two others. Firefighters responded to the 10:59 a.m. report and extinguished the blaze by 1:07 p.m.
The blast is believed to have occurred during cleaning of rocket propellant residue. Among the dead were two contract workers in their 20s and three permanent employees, including two in their 50s and one in his 30s. One of the injured suffered full-body burns.
Hanwha Group issued an apology to victims, families, residents and the nation, pledging full support for recovery. Chairman Kim Seung-youn said he is "overwhelmed with grief." The facility had seen prior fatal explosions in 2018 and 2019.
President Lee Jae Myung ordered all-out rescue efforts and a full investigation. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok directed full mobilization of equipment and personnel. The Daejeon District Prosecutors Office and police formed dedicated teams to probe the cause.
