5 killed in explosion at Hanwha Aerospace factory in Daejeon

An explosion at the Hanwha Aerospace factory in Daejeon — a facility designated as national critical infrastructure — killed five workers and left two others with burns Sunday.

Fire department authorities said they received a report of an explosion at the Hanwha Aerospace factory in Oesamdong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, at around 10:59 a.m.

Initial reports described a loud blast and heavy smoke rising from the site. Authorities issued a Level 1 emergency response at around 11:17 a.m. and dispatched crews to the scene. The main fire was brought under control about 50 minutes after it broke out, at approximately 11:49 a.m.

Firefighters fully extinguished the blaze at around 1:07 p.m. and lifted the Level 1 alert. Five workers on duty were killed. Two others who sustained burns were transported to Daejeon Yuseong Sun Hospital and Hwa Hospital for treatment. One victim with severe full-body burns was reported to be in critical condition.

The explosion occurred in the cleaning workroom of Building 56 at the Daejeon factory, authorities said. The company said it believes the blast was triggered during a gunpowder cleaning operation, though the exact cause remains unknown. The Daejeon factory handles gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants and is classified as a Grade A national critical infrastructure facility.

Police and fire department authorities believe the explosion originated on the first floor of the factory from an undetermined cause. Once the scene is secured, they plan to conduct a detailed forensic investigation in cooperation with the National Forensic Service.

The factory has been the site of two previous explosions. In May 2018, two workers died at the scene, and three others who had been receiving treatment for severe burns later died from their injuries. In February 2019, an explosion and fire broke out in the propellant demolding room of Building 70 at the Daejeon factory, killing three workers.

Hanwha Aerospace issued a statement Sunday afternoon expressing grief over the deaths. "We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the loss of five precious employees in the accident at the Daejeon factory," the company said. "Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace extend their deepest condolences, pray for the repose of the deceased, and offer their sincerest sympathies to the bereaved families."