A tragic accident occurred at Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan plant on November 19, resulting in the deaths of three researchers. The incident took place in the Electrification Quality Division of the factory, located in Yangjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Ulsan, during a vehicle testing operation.
Details of the Accident
The victims included:
- A man in his 40s and another in his 30s, both senior researchers from Hyundai Motor’s Namyang Research Center.
- One researcher from a partnering company.
The three individuals were found in critical condition after being suffocated during a “complex environmental chamber vehicle test” and were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
What is a Complex Environmental Chamber Test?
This test simulates a variety of extreme environmental conditions to evaluate the performance and durability of vehicles. The chamber mimics conditions such as extreme cold, desert heat, humidity, airflow, vibrations, and light exposure. The chamber, reportedly large enough to hold a single vehicle, is an enclosed space where such tests are conducted.
Cause of the Incident at Ulsan Plant
According to ETNews reports, the researchers began their driving test in the chamber around 12:50 PM. When they failed to exit after the test duration elapsed, colleagues checked on them and found them unresponsive. Investigations suggest that exhaust gases may have accumulated inside the sealed chamber, causing suffocation.
Rest in peace.
