A boiler pipe at a thermal power plant in the central county of Seocheon exploded on Monday, killing one employee, while injuring three others.

According to authorities, the explosion occurred at 10:54 AM, on the fifth floor of the Seocheon Thermal Power Plant’s main building.
The high-pressure steam from the explosion killed a worker in his 50’s after suffering from cardiac arrest, the three others suffered burns.

While the explosion did not lead to a fire, initial investigations showed the accident occurred while a checkup for the boiler valve was under way.

Police and fire authorities have opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, and whether the plant was in compliance with relevant safety regulations.