▲ Lotte Wellfood's Yeongdeungpo Plant
Lotte Wellfood issued an apology regarding the ammonia gas leak that occurred at its Yeongdeungpo plant in Seoul this morning (August 21), stating that it will formulate measures to prevent a recurrence.
In an official statement released today, Lotte Wellfood said, "We bow our heads and offer our deepest apologies for causing great concern to nearby residents and customers due to the gas leak that occurred at the Yeongdeungpo plant early this morning."
The company also emphasized, "We will faithfully and transparently cooperate with the relevant authorities' investigation into the cause," adding, "We will implement thorough safety inspections and devise measures to prevent recurrence."
It further added, "We have consistently placed safety as our top priority through regular facility safety checks and emergency response training for executives and employees," and stated, "We will closely review our company-wide safety management system once again and promptly push forward necessary supplementary measures to ensure full prevention of recurrences."
Earlier at around 5:30 a.m. today, ammonia gas leaked at the Lotte Wellfood Yeongdeungpo plant near Seonyudo Station in Yangpyeong-dong 5-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, prompting the dispatch of fire authorities.
Built in 1969, the plant currently produces items such as gum, candy, chocolate, and ice cream.
Some 40 employees and other individuals inside the plant at the time evacuated on their own, and it was reported that there were no casualties.
Lotte Wellfood explained, "We called 119 immediately upon noticing the accident," and "the main gas valve shutoff was completed by the dispatched fire authorities at around 5:52 a.m."
Subsequently, relevant authorities including the fire department, district office, and regional environment office measured residual gas concentrations at the plant and surrounding areas, and it was finally confirmed that no gas was detected.
Yeongdeungpo-gu advised residents to stay indoors through emergency text alerts and asked nearby vehicles to detour.
(Photo: Kakao Map Load View capture, Yonhap News)
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