Explosion Rocks Defence Manufacturing Facility
An explosion at a facility operated by South Korean defence company Hanwha Aerospace claimed five lives on Monday, according to local fire authorities.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. local time at the company’s plant in Daejeon, a city located roughly 150 kilometres south of Seoul.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the blast.
Casualties Confirmed
Officials from the Daejeon Fire Headquarters confirmed that five people died in the explosion. In addition, two others suffered injuries and received medical attention.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Firefighters Continue Emergency Response
According to local reports, the explosion occurred inside the factory complex.
Although emergency crews quickly responded, firefighting operations remained ongoing several hours after the blast.
A spokesperson for Hanwha Aerospace said the exact cause of the explosion had not been determined.
“The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the fire has not been completely extinguished,” the company representative stated.
Facility Plays Key Role in Defence Research
Hanwha Aerospace ranks among South Korea’s leading defence manufacturers. The company produces weapons systems, artillery equipment and aerospace technologies.
Furthermore, its Daejeon facility serves as a major research and development centre. The site focuses on advanced defence projects and space-related technologies.
President Orders Immediate Action
Following the incident, President Lee Jae Myung directed relevant agencies to deploy all available resources to contain the fire and manage the emergency response.
His office said authorities are working to stabilise the situation while investigators determine the cause of the explosion.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to establish what triggered the deadly blast.
As emergency operations continue, officials are expected to provide further updates on casualties, damages and safety measures in the coming days.
