Translation result
An explosion at a defense facility has heightened local anxiety.
The blast at Hanwha Aerospace’s Yuseong District facility in Daejeon on the 1st produced seven casualties and left the neighborhood on edge throughout the day. Residents said a sudden, thunderous blast was followed by smoke, and many struggled to hide their fear.
Han (43), who was at a nearby auto repair shop when the blast occurred, said, “I heard the explosion while waiting in the repair room. The moment we realized it was an accident at a defense plant, everyone in the shop became very anxious.”
Another resident, Kim (36), said, “We couldn’t verify any additional hazards, so everyone was visibly tense.”
Employees at a nearby restaurant also described feeling shaken.
Kim (56), who runs a Korean restaurant, said, “I was preparing for the morning service when emergency vehicles began to converge. Because this is a defense facility, we’re always cautious, but hearing that there were fatalities made my stomach drop.”
He said local merchants were stunned, unable to focus on business, and quietly asking one another how to respond.
As news of the accident spread, residents expressed grief over the tragedy and growing concern about safety near their homes.
The facility sits directly across from dense residential areas — including an elementary school, other educational institutions, and large apartment complexes — which intensified residents’ fears.
A 64-year-old resident of a nearby apartment said, “I’m deeply saddened by this tragic accident affecting the workers. But similar incidents have occurred at this plant several times over the past decade, so I worry my family could be at risk.”
Parent Han (36) said, “There is a school near the plant that my child attends every day. I’m worried a larger explosion or a hazardous-material leak could occur. I’m considering moving for my child’s safety.”
The blast occurred in the cleaning room of Building 56 at Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon facility. Company officials said the accident happened during the cleaning of equipment or tools contaminated with rocket propellant. Reporter Jin Hyun-hoon
Most Commented