Explosion at North Korean Arms Factory Kills Dozens, State Media Says
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A powerful explosion at a munitions factory in North Korea’s Hamgyong Province has killed at least 40 workers and injured many others, state media reported, in one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.
The blast occurred during weapons production, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which said authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. The report did not provide details on the scale of the damage or the condition of those injured.
The factory is believed to be part of North Korea’s military-industrial network, which plays a central role in the country’s weapons manufacturing efforts. Such facilities are typically tightly controlled, and information about accidents or safety failures is rarely made public.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered an immediate review of safety procedures at military facilities following the explosion, KCNA said. The directive suggests concern over possible lapses in workplace safety and production oversight.
The incident comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of North Korea’s weapons programs and the conditions inside its defense industry. Because access to the country is heavily restricted, independent verification of the casualty figures and the circumstances surrounding the blast remains limited.
