According to the Labor Ministry, Minister Kim instructed the head of the Ministry's Industrial Safety and Health Agency and the director of the Industrial Safety and Health Office, who were dispatched to the scene, to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and determine accountability.
He emphasized the need to swiftly and rigorously uncover the cause of the incident during a joint investigation scheduled for June 2. He also urged participants to pay special attention to safety measures.
Additionally, he directed local governments to establish a comprehensive support system for the families of the victims and the injured. He called for careful consideration of trauma counseling support for witnesses and fellow workers.
The Labor Ministry has formed a dedicated investigation team of about 20 members, including inspectors from the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office's Serious Industrial Accident Investigation Division and the Serious Industrial Accident Prevention Center, to commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
The ministry stated, "We will rigorously identify the exact cause of the explosion through on-site investigations," adding that it will strictly examine whether safety measures for handling hazardous materials and obligations under the Serious Accident Punishment Act were properly implemented.
The dedicated investigation team plans to work closely with relevant agencies, including the prosecution and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency, to clarify the specifics of the accident and determine accountability.
Minister Kim has instructed the establishment of a Central Industrial Accident Response Headquarters within the Labor Ministry and a Regional Industrial Accident Response Headquarters at the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office.
Immediately following the incident, the head of the Daejeon Labor Office and inspectors issued a work stoppage order at the plant.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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