[News Space=Reporter seungwon lee] On December 4th at approximately 5:35 PM, a pickup truck called "Tasman" was being test driven at the KIA Autoland Hwaseong Plant 3 in Ujeong-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. A coworker (50s, Mr. B) died after being struck by the truck during a test drive. The Gyeonggi Hwaseong West Police Department is investigating the driver, Mr. A, in his 50s, on charges of causing death under the Road Traffic Act.

Accident details and damage

The accident occurred at an intersection within the factory (10 meters from the main gate). Person A was reportedly driving a completed vehicle to its storage location after a test drive. Person B, who was walking through the factory gate, was struck by Person A, who failed to see him. The victim was immediately reported to 112 and received initial treatment by the police and fire department, who responded. He was then transported to a hospital in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Despite CPR, he later died.

KIA's response and safety inspection

KIA is conducting an emergency safety inspection of all vehicle tracks within the plant immediately following the accident. They are also investigating risk factors in the area where the accident occurred, whether safety management obligations were met, and the potential application of the Serious Accident Punishment Act. A KIA representative stated, "We express our deepest condolences to the deceased and offer our condolences to their bereaved families. We will diligently investigate the cause of the accident and do our utmost to prevent a recurrence."

Safety regulations and statistics within the factory

Although KIA's Hwaseong plant restricts speeds within the finished vehicle plant to 10 km/h or less, numerous traffic accidents have occurred within the plant in recent years. As of 2023, the fatality rate from traffic accidents within domestic automobile plants accounted for approximately 3.5% of all industrial accident fatalities, highlighting the ongoing need for strengthened safety management systems.

KIA emphasizes the safety of its employees and partners through its annual ESG report and operates safety training and inspection processes. However, this incident has sparked controversy over its internal management system.