3 researchers in South Korea die of asphyxiation while testing vehicle at Hyundai factory

3 researchers in South Korea die of asphyxiation while testing Hyundai vehicles on 19 Nov

On Tuesday (19 Nov), three researchers died of asphyxiation while they were conducting car testing at a Hyundai factory in Ulsan, South Korea.

According to The Hankyoreh, the researchers were found collapsed inside one of the testing chambers at about 3pm.

Allegedly died during exhaust testing

Although unconfirmed at the time of writing, investigators believe the researchers — aged 26, 38, and 45 — were working on measuring exhaust gas emissions.

The testing chamber, large enough to fit one vehicle, is a sealed lab designed to replicate driving environments.

The trio reportedly entered the testing chamber at about 2pm for a test that would last 30 minutes. However, their colleagues became concerned when the researchers didn’t exit the chamber after an hour.

Additionally, the group also didn’t respond via their walkie-talkies.

When their colleagues entered the chamber, they found the three researchers trapped within a prototype electric vehicle in the chamber.

Their colleagues had to resort to smashing the vehicle windows to rescue the three workers.

Police investigation under way

South Korean police are currently questioning employees at the factory and reviewing the safety guidelines.

Authorities have also requested autopsies to be performed to confirm the victims’ cause of death.

Under South Korean law, employers are responsible for safety measures if their employees are working in sealed workspaces.

They must provide proper ventilation and ensure a supervisor is outside the space in case of emergencies.

While the chamber in question has a ventilation system, Hyundai officials suspected it malfunctioned during the test. This caused toxic fumes to accumulate in the chamber, according to The Chosun Ilbo.

In response to the incident, Hyundai said they are praying for the souls of the deceased and offered condolences to the affected families. They also pledged to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.

“We will also do our best to devise measures to prevent such unfortunate accidents from recurring in the future,” they said.

This is reportedly the third fatal accident at a Hyundai factory since 2022.

Also read: Factory worker in M’sia crushed after falling into palm oil processing machine

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Featured image adapted from Yonhap News and The Hankyoreh.