South Korea: Emergency services responding to gas explosion at factory in Gyeongju May 9

Event

Emergency services are responding to a factory explosion in Oedong Town, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, May 9. Authorities state the cause of the explosion was a gas leak. The incident occurred at Hyundai Heavy Industries' Piping Plant at around 06:09 and resulted in at least three injuries. Reports indicate that the blast also caused a building from a nearby factory to collapse.

Emergency crews remain on the scene. Authorities will likely maintain security cordons around the incident site for several hours while they conduct their investigations. Localized disruptions are likely in the surrounding area through May 9.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Anticipate localized business and transport disruption in the surrounding area.