Investigation Launched After Three Deaths at Hyundai Motor Plant in Ulsan

South Korean authorities have initiated an investigation into the deaths of three workers at a Hyundai Motor manufacturing facility in Ulsan. The tragic incident occurred during a car testing operation at the company's No. 4 factory on Tuesday, November 19, around 3 pm local time.

According to police in Ulsan, the deceased included two Hyundai researchers who were involved in testing a vehicle. They were discovered unconscious inside a car situated in a testing chamber. Media reports suggest that the workers may have suffocated, although the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

Authorities, including police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, are probing the circumstances surrounding the incident. A union representative confirmed the deaths but provided no further details on the testing process or potential safety lapses.

The Ulsan plant, where the incident occurred, is Hyundai's largest production facility. It features its port and has an annual production capacity of 1.4 million vehicles, with 1.1 million units earmarked for export. The factory plays a critical role in Hyundai's global operations.

The tragedy follows Hyundai Motor's significant investment in the region. In November 2022, the company broke ground on a 2 trillion won (approximately $1.92 billion) facility in Ulsan dedicated to the production of electric vehicles (EVs). This move aligns with Hyundai's strategic pivot away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.