[Comprehensive] Fire at HD Hyundai Samho Substation in Yeongam Extinguished After About 12 Hours

Firefighters Struggled to Contain Blaze Due to Intense Flames and Smoke
Power Supply Restoration Expected to Take at Least Two Weeks
No Casualties as Most Employees Were on Vacation

The fire department extinguished the fire that occurred at the substation inside Yeongam Hyundai Samho around 11:22 PM on the 28th after approximately 12 hours. Photo by Jeonnam Fire Department

The fire that broke out at the HD Hyundai Samho substation in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province was extinguished after approximately 12 hours.

According to South Jeolla Province, the South Jeolla Fire Department, and the Yeongam Fire Station on July 29, the fire that started at 11:22 p.m. the previous day in the underground utility tunnel of the main substation (154kw) at the HD Hyundai Samho shipyard was completely extinguished at 11:24 a.m. on the same day, after 12 hours and 2 minutes.

Upon receiving the initial fire report, the fire authorities dispatched 22 firefighting vehicles and 62 personnel to the scene to begin extinguishing the blaze. However, it was confirmed that they faced difficulties entering the interior due to intense flames and smoke caused by the burning of complexly entangled underground cables.

At the time of the fire, most employees were on vacation, and the remaining staff (10 to 15 people) evacuated urgently, resulting in no casualties.

The fire authorities believe the fire started in substation panel No. 2 among panels No. 1 to No. 3, located 1.5 to 2 meters below ground, and are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire.

Due to this fire, all power supply to the shipyard has been cut off. It is expected that restoring power will take at least two weeks and possibly up to one month or longer.

Meanwhile, a Hyundai Samho official held a briefing on the morning of July 29 and stated, "We will urgently order the necessary materials through Hyundai Electric, the group's power equipment company," and added, "Our goal is to complete restoration during the employees' summer vacation period."

The official also stated, "We will do our best to normalize operations as soon as possible by cooperating with Korea Electric Power Corporation and local governments on necessary matters."

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