Police Restrict Traffic Due to Concerns of Additional Explosions
At around 11:15 a.m. on the 10th, a fuel storage tank exploded at the United Terminal Korea factory in Cheoryong-ri, Onsan-eup, Ulsan.
Two workers at the scene were caught in the explosion. One of them was transported to a nearby hospital by the 119 emergency medical team, while the other has not yet been found.
The explosion occurred at United Terminal Korea Terminal 2. United Terminal Korea operates three terminals, all of which manage liquid cargo storage tanks.
Immediately after the explosion, a fire broke out, spreading black smoke, and the Ulsan Fire Headquarters received more than 20 emergency calls. The fire authorities deployed 23 pieces of equipment and 58 personnel to extinguish the fire. Additionally, at 11:38 a.m., Response Level 2 was issued, and efforts to manage the accident are underway.
The police are controlling vehicle traffic nearby due to concerns of additional explosions. Ulsan Ulju-gun has advised residents via disaster safety messages to avoid the accident site and not to inhale the smoke.
Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, instructed, “The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, National Fire Agency, and Ulsan Metropolitan City must mobilize all available equipment and personnel to do their utmost to suppress the fire.”
Meanwhile, United Terminal Korea is a company that stores and transports various liquid cargoes.
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