Lotte Wellfood apologizes for ammonia leak at Seoul factory, vows to prevent recurrence

Lotte Wellfood apologized Friday for an ammonia gas leak at its factory in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and said it would put in place measures to prevent a recurrence.

In a statement released that day, the company said it "sincerely and deeply apologizes to nearby residents and customers for the great concern caused by the gas leak that occurred in the early hours of Friday, at our Yeongdeungpo factory."

"We will cooperate faithfully and transparently with the relevant authorities' investigation into the cause," the company said, adding that it would conduct a thorough safety inspection of the facility and draw up measures to prevent a recurrence.

The company added that it has "always placed safety as our top priority, consistently carrying out regular facility safety inspections and emergency response drills for employees," and pledged to "once again carefully review our company-wide safety management system in connection with this incident, swiftly pursue any necessary corrective measures, and do everything possible to prevent a recurrence."

Earlier that morning, at around 5:30 a.m., ammonia gas leaked from the Lotte Wellfood factory in Yangpyeong-dong 5-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, near Seonyudo Station, prompting the fire department to respond. The factory, completed in 1969, currently produces gum, candy, chocolate and ice cream.

About 40 workers in the factory at the time evacuated on their own, and no casualties were reported. Lotte Wellfood said it "immediately called 119 upon becoming aware of the incident," and that firefighters shut off the main gas valve at around 5:52 a.m. Subsequent measurements of residual gas concentrations at the factory and surrounding areas by the fire department, district office and environmental authorities confirmed that no gas was detected.