Asphyxiation Death Accident at Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant... Hyundai Motor "Will Promptly Identify the Cause" (Update)

At Hyundai Motor Company's Ulsan plant, three researchers died of suffocation during vehicle performance testing.

According to the police and industry sources on the 19th, around 3 p.m. that day, another employee found three staff members collapsed in the vehicle performance testing area (chamber) of the Electrification Quality Division within Hyundai Motor's Ulsan Plant 4 in Buk-gu, Ulsan.

Emergency measures were taken for the three employees and they were transported to the hospital, but all of them died.

Hyundai Motor Ulsan Plant view. Photo by Hyundai Motor

It is presumed that they suffocated while working inside the chamber, which is about the size to accommodate one vehicle, as they were conducting vehicle driving performance experiments that day.

Industry sources believe that the accident occurred because exhaust gases were not discharged outside during the vehicle driving test inside this chamber.

All the deceased were researchers; two belonged to Hyundai Motor's Namyang Research Center, and one was from a partner company. The police are investigating the circumstances of the accident by questioning witnesses and others.

Hyundai Motor stated, "We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and will promptly identify the cause of this accident and take necessary measures actively. We will do our utmost to prepare countermeasures to prevent such a tragic accident from recurring in the future."