Three Hyundai Motor Researchers Die During Test... 'Carbon Monoxide Poisoning'

National Forensic Service Notifies Cause of Death to Ulsan Police Agency
Accident at Ulsan Factory on 19th Last Month

The cause of death of the three researchers who died during vehicle testing last month at Hyundai Motor Company's Ulsan plant was confirmed to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to the police on the 8th, the Ulsan Police Agency received this autopsy result notification from the National Forensic Service. With the cause of death of the researchers revealed, future police investigations are expected to focus on the circumstances of the researchers' exposure to carbon monoxide, any abnormalities in the vehicle exhaust and ventilation systems, and compliance with safety regulations.

On the 19th of last month, three researchers died during vehicle performance testing at Hyundai Motor's Ulsan Plant in Buk-gu, Ulsan. The following morning, police vehicles entered the factory for a joint inspection. Photo by Yonhap News

The deceased researchers had an accident around 3 p.m. on the 19th of last month while conducting vehicle performance and idling tests in the vehicle testing area within the Electrification Quality Division at Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant. They were A (45) and B (38) from Hyundai Motor Company, and C (26) from a partner company. They were found unconscious and transported to the hospital but all passed away.

Subsequently, on the 2nd, the police conducted a search and seizure at Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant and the Namyang Research Center, where some of the researchers were affiliated. They are analyzing secured materials related to vehicle testing, documents on the testing area (chamber) facilities, and safety-related documents, while also summoning safety-related officials as witnesses for investigation. The police are also preparing to verify the vehicle testing situation at the time of the accident by reenacting it as it occurred.

Separately from the police investigation, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has been conducting a special industrial safety inspection targeting Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant since the 29th of last month, focusing on compliance with safety and health regulations and violations of the Serious Accident Punishment Act. Hyundai Motor's Ulsan plant is a workplace subject to the 'Serious Accident Punishment Act' as it employs five or more regular workers.

An official from the Ministry of Employment and Labor explained, "The fact that the researchers died from carbon monoxide poisoning is also indicated in the medical certificates and the initial autopsy opinions. Therefore, the key is to find out why they were poisoned by carbon monoxide." He added, "The chamber has a ventilation system that allows air to flow naturally and an exhaust system that extracts exhaust gases from the vehicle. Whether these systems were properly managed and operated will be a core investigation point."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.