Three workers tragically lost their lives at a Hyundai manufacturing plant on Tuesday in what appears to be a testing accident, according to the South Korean automaker. The incident occurred during a vehicle performance evaluation at the company’s Ulsan facility, which Hyundai describes as the world’s largest single automobile plant.
Hyundai confirmed the deaths, stating, “We are investigating the cause of the accident.” The victims included two Hyundai researchers and one subcontractor employee.
Local reports suggest the workers were conducting tests inside a chamber when exhaust gases in the unventilated space may have caused their deaths. Despite being rushed to nearby hospitals, all three were pronounced dead.
Preliminary findings indicate the possibility of suffocation from toxic gases, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
This isn’t the first safety concern at the Ulsan plant. Last year, a worker died after being caught in machinery during an inspection, prompting Hyundai to issue a public apology and promise stronger safety measures.
Hyundai, along with its affiliate Kia, dominates South Korea’s automotive market, accounting for 80% of new car sales domestically and over 4.2 million global units in 2023. This latest tragedy underscores the need for enhanced workplace safety protocols in the industry.
