POSCO apologizes after toxic gas accident leaves workers critically ill

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - South Korean steelmaker POSCO issued a formal apology on Friday after three workers were hospitalized for inhaling toxic gas during a sludge-cleaning operation at its steel mill in the southeastern city of Pohang.

The company vowed to strengthen safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.

In a statement, POSCO President Lee Hee-geun expressed “deep regret” over the accident, which occurred on Thursday and involved both POSCO employees and subcontracted workers. “On behalf of the company, I sincerely apologize to the victims and their families,” he said.

Lee said an emergency response team was dispatched immediately to determine the cause of the gas leak and is working with authorities on the investigation. “We are prioritizing the recovery of the affected individuals and are providing all necessary support without delay,” he said.

Acknowledging a string of safety lapses at the company this year, Lee pledged to implement comprehensive improvements. “We take full responsibility for recent safety incidents and will devote all available resources to ensuring they do not happen again,” he said.

The accident involved two subcontractor workers in their 50s and a POSCO employee in his 40s, all of whom inhaled toxic gas at the STS 4 steelmaking facility. They were hospitalized in cardiac arrest; two have since stabilized but remain in critical condition, while the third suffers from severe impairment of consciousness.

Three other people who responded to the scene were also exposed to the gas but sustained only minor injuries.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.

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