Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility where the explosion occurred [Daejeon=Yonhap News]

Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace issued an official statement on the 1st regarding the tragedy at their Daejeon facility, which resulted in five fatalities, and offered apologies to the bereaved families and the public.

Hanwha Group stated, "We bow our heads in apology to the deceased employees and their families, the injured employees, the local residents, and the public for the accident at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility," emphasizing, "We will provide all due respect to the departed employees and ensure there is no negligence in supporting the recovery of the injured employees."

Kim Seung-yeon, Chairman of Hanwha Group, expressed, "I am heartbroken by the news that employees who were dedicating themselves to their work have died and been injured," adding, "I offer my deepest condolences and words of comfort to the bereaved families."

Chairman Kim further urged, "Ensure the utmost respect is paid to the departed employees, and promptly and diligently execute the aftermath, including support for bereaved families and treatment for the injured."

Additionally, he instructed that the group's capabilities be fully mobilized and a special response task force (TF) be formed at the group level to manage the accident. The TF will be led by Vice Chairman Yeo Seung-joo.

Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, with a solemn expression [Daejeon=Yonhap News]

Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, has established a response headquarters at the accident site and is working with relevant authorities, including the fire department and police, to manage the situation.

CEO Son Jae-il stated, "As the CEO of the company, I feel a heavy responsibility for this accident," and added, "We will provide all necessary support to the families of the bereaved and take full responsibility for the treatment and recovery of the injured employees until the end."

Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace announced that they will transparently disclose related information as soon as the specific cause of the accident is identified.

The company suspects the accident occurred during the process of cleaning the propellant (explosives) for launch vehicles and explained that the exact cause will be determined through an investigation by the relevant agencies once access to the accident site is secured.

Hanwha Group declared, "We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to ensure such a devastating incident never happens again," and added, "We will comprehensively review the safety management measures across the entire group and dedicate all resources to creating a safe workplace."

According to the police and fire authorities, an explosion occurred at the Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon plant in Oesong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, at 10:59 AM today.

Five people died and two were injured in the explosion.