Hanwha Aerospace CEO Booked for Violating Serious Accidents Law After Deadly Explosion

The CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, Son Jae-il, has been booked on charges related to violating the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. This action follows a deadly explosion at the company's Daejeon plant, which resulted in seven fatalities. The investigation is focusing on the company's adherence to safety regulations and its responsibility for the tragic incident.

South Korean authorities, including the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office, are scrutinizing Hanwha Aerospace's compliance with the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Investigators are examining whether the company fulfilled its duty to secure a safe working environment, particularly concerning the handling of hazardous materials. The plant manager, Ga Jae-woong, is also facing charges for professional negligence resulting in death or injury, in addition to previous charges under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Further measures have been taken to ensure cooperation with the investigation. Both CEO Son Jae-il and plant manager Ga Jae-woong, along with two other Hanwha Aerospace officials, have been issued with travel bans. Authorities have secured mobile phones belonging to six key personnel, including Son and Ga, as part of the ongoing probe. The investigation team has already interviewed company officials and victims' families, aiming to establish accountability for the fatal explosion.