S-Oil Explosion and Fire Accident Investigation Intensifies: "Investigation Begins Targeting On-Site Workers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Police investigations are intensifying regarding the S-Oil Ulsan refinery explosion and fire accident, which resulted in one death and nine serious and minor injuries.

The Ulsan Police Agency's dedicated investigation team began questioning workers who were on-site at the time of the accident on the 21st.

They are verifying the work details and circumstances at the time, focusing on workers who were uninjured or sustained minor injuries. The Busan Employment and Labor Office is also investigating subcontracted workers about the working conditions and safety regulations during the incident.

Lee Jung-sik, Minister of Employment and Labor, emphasized during his visit to the funeral of Kim (37), a subcontractor worker who died in the accident, that "a thorough investigation and inquiry will be conducted to uncover the truth and ensure no injustice occurs."

After the worker interviews conclude, investigations are expected to continue targeting the safety management officials of the primary contractor, S-Oil.

The schedule for the joint on-site forensic examination has not yet been finalized. Due to the fire exposing surrounding pipelines and equipment to flames for up to 20 hours, the safety of the site remains uncertain.

The fire department is inspecting the area to check for any possible gas leaks, residual gases, or concerns about equipment damage.

Once the basic inspection is complete, a safety assessment will determine whether the forensic team can enter the site, after which the joint forensic examination schedule will be announced.

On the 19th, an explosion and fire occurred in the alkylation (an additive process that uses butane to increase gasoline octane rating) manufacturing process at the S-Oil Ulsan refinery in Onsan Industrial Complex, Ulju-gun, Ulsan City, resulting in the death of one subcontractor worker and injuries to nine workers from both primary and subcontractors.

Among the injured, four were classified as seriously injured, all reportedly with burns.

It was confirmed that a malfunction occurred in the butane compression valve used in the alkylation extraction process, and the accident happened during emergency repairs and subsequent test operations. The police plan to conduct an autopsy on the deceased to determine the exact cause of death.