Contractor killed in explosion at ADD defense research institute in Daejeon

A file image of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Daejeon. [JOONGANG PHOTO]

A 61-year-old man was killed in an explosion at the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Daejeon on Thursday.

According to Daejeon fire authorities, the ADD employee died after an explosion took place at a gunpowder storage room at the state-run defense research institute at around 12:54 p.m.

The man was identified as a contractor rehired after retirement, according to the ADD.

The exact cause of the explosion is yet unknown. It didn't result in a fire.

Fire authorities sent 80 personnel to the site. Related agencies are investigating the cause of the accident.

President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his condolences for the ADD contractor later Thursday.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues and call for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to prevent a recurrence," Yoon was quoted as saying by presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung in a statement.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]