North Korea launched an investigation into a disastrous warship launch that embarrassed Kim Jong Un.
According to BBC, the North Korean state media reported that the authorities have detained three shipyard officials for the accident during the launch of a new warship which was attended by the country leader.
Parts of a 5,000-tonne destroyer’s bottom were damaged during the launch ceremony on Wednesday, throwing it off balance.
Kim Jong Un calls failed launch a ‘criminal act’
Kim described the accident as a “criminal act” and said it “brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse.”
The dictator further added that the accident was caused by “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism,” and those who made “irresponsible errors” will be dealt with in a meeting scheduled for next month.
KCNA, North Korea’s official news agency, revealed that the three “responsible for the accident” were the chief engineer of the northern Chongjin shipyard where the destroyer was built, as well as the construction head and an administrative manager.
The manager of the shipyard, Hong Kil Ho, had been summoned by law enforcers.
The state media declined the initial report and said that there were no holes on the bottom of the ship, adding, “The hull starboard was scratched, and a certain amount of seawater flowed into the stern section.”
It is unclear what punishment the “responsible” officials will get; however, North Korea, which usually does not publicly disclose local accidentshas a history of human rights issues.
