Valve Piping Work Chemical Substance Leak Accident at Paju LGD Factory (Comprehensive Report 2)

2 Seriously Injured, 5 Minor Injuries... Under Treatment

Fire and Disaster Headquarters Deployed to Chemical Spill Site [Provided by Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The chemical substance leak accident at the LG Display factory in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, which occurred on the afternoon of the 13th, is presumed to have happened during valve piping work.

According to the Northern Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the leak accident occurred around 2:20 PM on the 13th at LG Display's 8th factory in Deogeun-ri, Wollong-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province.

At the time of the accident, there were 17 workers on site, of whom 13 evacuated on their own. However, three of the injured were in-house paramedics who had been dispatched to assist the injured. Immediately after the accident, LG reportedly took emergency measures to block the leak.

The police and fire authorities estimate that the accident occurred as 'tetramethylammonium hydroxide' leaked during valve piping work. The amount leaked was estimated to be about 300 to 400 liters.

'Tetramethylammonium hydroxide' is used as a display surface treatment agent, known to be highly toxic and a colorless liquid.

The accident resulted in a total of seven people sustaining serious and minor injuries. Two subcontractor employees, including A (40), inhaled toxic gas and suffered serious injuries. They lost consciousness and collapsed but fortunately regained consciousness and are receiving treatment.

Additionally, two other subcontractor employees, including B (36), sustained first-degree burns on their right limbs and both hands, respectively, while three paramedics, including C (40), suffered minor injuries such as chest pain and are undergoing treatment.

Upon receiving the accident report, the fire authorities deployed 13 pieces of equipment and 40 personnel to the scene, and by around 2:45 PM?approximately 25 minutes later?they blocked the gas leak, confirmed residual gas, and managed the accident site.

The police and fire authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident by questioning the workers present at the scene and LG representatives.

Meanwhile, LG Display stated in a press release after the accident, "LG Display immediately took thorough measures to prevent secondary damage by shutting off the relevant chemical valve and operating emergency ventilation."

The 8th factory where the accident occurred is known as the second-built factory during the establishment of the LG Display complex, producing model-specific panels.