South Korean authorities have launched an investigation after three individuals died during a car test at Hyundai Motor‘s plant in Ulsan on Tuesday afternoon. The victims, including two Hyundai researchers and one contractor, were found unconscious inside a test chamber at the plant’s Ulsan Complex around 3 p.m. Police officials have stated that the cause of death appears to be suffocation.
The three workers were conducting a vehicle performance test when the incident occurred. Hyundai’s labor union said they were testing the car in a designated “chamber” when they were discovered. The Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The three victims, aged in their 40s, 30s, and 20s, were initially rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition but were later pronounced dead. When the incident occurred, they had been performing a driving test in the laboratory of Hyundai’s No. 4 factory, a key facility in Ulsan. After completing the test around 12:50 p.m., the workers did not exit the test chamber, and they were later found unconscious when others entered the room around 3 p.m.
Local authorities have confirmed that the three workers likely died from suffocation, possibly due to toxic gas in the enclosed space. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Police have requested autopsies, and the Ministry of Labor has sent inspectors to the scene to examine the circumstances and assess whether the Serious Accidents Punishment Act applies to the case. This law holds companies accountable for serious accidents resulting in death or severe injury, with penalties including imprisonment or substantial fines.
Hyundai has expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities in the investigation.
In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to identifying the cause of the tragedy and taking all necessary actions to prevent a recurrence. The Ulsan plant, Hyundai’s largest manufacturing facility, has a production capacity of 1.4 million vehicles annually and is a crucial part of the company’s operations, including its export activities.
The company’s response to the incident will likely be closely monitored, as it could impact safety regulations at its production facilities and the broader automotive industry in South Korea.
In November of last year, Hyundai Motor launched a major expansion in Ulsan, building a 2 trillion won ($1.44 billion) plant dedicated to producing electric vehicles.
The Ulsan Northern Police Station and the Ministry of Employment and Labor are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. The authorities are working to determine the exact cause, with labor inspectors looking into the application of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which could hold the company accountable for the deaths.
The investigation is taking place amid a leadership transition at Hyundai. The company recently promoted global COO Jose Munoz to CEO, a move seen as a strategic shift to enhance the company’s response to global markets, especially in the U.S.
