Fatal Samsung Acid Leak Investigated for Cover-up
A South Korean Samsung factory is being investigated under allegations of failing to report a fatal acid leak prior to the employee's death.
Investigations into an alleged gas leak cover-up at a Samsung factory in South Korea have begun. The leak at the plant in Hwaseong, South Korea left one employee dead and four more hospitalized.
It is reported that an acid leak began Sunday night at the plant around 11:00 p.m. At 5:00 a.m., a second acid leak began, escalating the danger of the incident. A maintenance crew was dispatched to clean up the estimated 10 liters of acid that was leaked in gas form. The cleanup resulted in one death from prolonged exposure to the leak. Four other members of the crew were hospitalized for exposure to the harmful acid.
Local authorities were not informed of the leak until after the fatalities had already occurred, which is the primary cause for investigation, along with the cause of the leak.
“A small amount of diluted hydrofluoric acid leaked early Monday morning during maintenance at one of the gas and chemical supply systems at the Hwaseong site,” Samsung said in a statement.
The leak has since been contained and production has commenced.