Hyundai Steel Blast Furnace Plant Fire: Molten Metal Leak Leads to Major Incident
On February 28, 2025, a significant fire broke out at Hyundai Steel's No. 1 blast furnace plant in Dangjin, located in South Chungcheong Province. The fire was triggered by a leak of molten metal, spilling 300 metric tons of molten material onto the plant’s first-floor railway. The incident prompted a swift emergency response from local fire authorities and Hyundai Steel’s own firefighting team.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
Upon receiving the report of the molten metal leak, the Dangjin Fire Department quickly mobilized a large team to the scene. A total of 22 fire trucks and 41 personnel were dispatched to the Hyundai Steel site in Songak-eup, Dangjin. The fire was successfully brought under control by 4:09 a.m. after approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of intense firefighting efforts.
Despite the scale of the fire, the Hyundai Steel firefighting team had already been actively involved in containing the blaze, which prevented any major escalation. Authorities reported that although the torpedo car (the vehicle used to transport molten metal) was damaged in the incident, there were no casualties among workers.
Cause and Investigation of the Incident
The exact cause of the molten metal leak remains under investigation. Preliminary reports from fire authorities indicate that the leak occurred from the lower part of the container during the process of receiving molten metal into the carrying machine. The fire department is currently working to determine the specific cause of the leak and whether any operational or equipment failure contributed to the incident.
According to a representative from the Hyundai Steel labor union, this was the first incident of its kind in the last 10 years at the plant. The union emphasized that no injuries or fatalities occurred during the fire, which was a significant relief given the hazardous nature of molten metal.
Property Damage and Financial Impact
Fire authorities have estimated the property damage resulting from the fire to be around 30 million won (approximately $22,800 USD). The damage primarily involved the torpedo car, which was crucial to the transportation of molten metal. This represents a significant financial loss for the plant, although the damage was limited in scope, as the firefighting efforts were successful in containing the fire swiftly.
Impact on Operations and Hyundai Steel’s Response
This incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols at Hyundai Steel’s facilities, particularly in handling molten metal, which poses significant risks if mishandled. Hyundai Steel is working closely with fire authorities and investigators to determine the exact cause of the molten metal leak and ensure such an incident does not recur.
The labor union has also voiced concerns about the safety of workers, noting that while no one was injured in this incident, the potential for a more serious accident was high. They have called for increased safety measures and a thorough review of current practices surrounding molten metal handling.
Looking Forward: Preventing Future Incidents
Given that this is the first molten metal leak incident in 10 years at Hyundai Steel’s Dangjin plant, the company will likely take immediate steps to strengthen its safety protocols. There could be a push to improve the training of personnel working in high-risk areas, especially those dealing with molten metal and other hazardous materials.
Additionally, Hyundai Steel may invest in enhanced equipment, such as more reliable torpedo cars and better monitoring systems, to reduce the risk of future leaks or accidents.
Key Takeaways
•Molten metal leak at Hyundai Steel's Dangjin plant on February 28, 2025 caused a fire, but no injuries were reported.
•300 metric tons of molten metal leaked onto the first-floor railway, leading to significant firefighting efforts.
•22 fire trucks and 41 personnel responded, bringing the fire under control in 1 hour and 40 minutes.
•The cause of the leak is under investigation, with the leak believed to have occurred from the lower part of the container during the molten metal transfer process.
•Damage to property is estimated at 30 million won (approx. $22,800 USD), mainly affecting the torpedo car.
•This marks the first molten metal leak accident in the last 10 years at Hyundai Steel's Dangjin plant.
•The labor union has called for improved safety protocols and better handling practices to prevent future incidents.
