5 Killed in Defense Plant Blast in S. Korea

Five workers were killed in an explosion at a facility operated by Hanwha Aerospace in central South Korea on Monday, authorities said.

The blast occurred at the company's research and development site in Daejeon, about 150 kilometers south of Seoul. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Local officials said seven workers were inside the facility at the time of the incident. Five were killed, while two escaped. One survivor suffered severe burns and remains in critical condition.

Hanwha Aerospace, a major South Korean defense contractor specializing in guided weapons, artillery systems, aerospace components, and rocket technology, described the explosion as a tragic accident and pledged a full investigation.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered authorities to deploy all available resources to contain the fire and respond to the emergency.