HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Union to indict responsible parties for secondary accident in submarine fire

The Hankyoreh reports on the Korean Metal Workers' Union's decision to file a criminal complaint against HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. This action stems from a fatal fire that occurred while a navy submarine was undergoing maintenance at the company's Ulsan shipyard, and a subsequent secondary accident during the rescue and recovery operation.

The union accuses HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' safety managers and executives of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act. According to the union, safety protocols were not adequately followed when attempting to rescue a subcontractor worker trapped inside the submarine after the initial fire. This alleged negligence led to a secondary accident, injuring personnel involved in the operation.

Details from the fire reveal that the submarine had damaged high-capacity batteries and wiring, posing significant risks of electrical leakage and shock. Despite these dangers, the union claims that the company's representatives provided assurances that the main battery breaker was disengaged, leading the fire department to proceed with the rescue operation without full awareness of the potential for further accidents. Explosions reportedly occurred during the rescue attempt.

The union plans to submit the complaint, which names the corporate entity and nine individuals, to the Ulsan Employment and Labor Office. They are demanding that the company implement robust preventative measures to avoid future tragedies and that those responsible for the safety lapses be held strictly accountable.