Investigations underway after three die in Hyundai test facility

Hyundai is reportedly cooperating with South Korean authorities after three people died while testing a vehicle in a facility operated by the carmaker.

South Korean publication ET News reports two Hyundai researchers and a third person contracted to the company were found unconscious in a car that was undertaking a “complex environmental chamber vehicle test” inside a building.

It’s understood the chamber was used to simulate different weather conditions vehicles may endure, and the three men suffocated inside it.

According to the news outlet and additional reporting by Reuters, the three men entered the test laboratory at approximately 12:50pm and were due to exit it at 3:00pm, however, they did not leave after the allotted time had elapsed.

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The first report of the incident was made to a nearby fire department at 3:17pm. The three men were later taken to hospital but attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.

The chamber is reportedly located in Hyundai’s ‘No.4’ factory in Ulsan, which produces the Porter light truck and the Staria people mover and van.

Hyundai issued the following statement to overseas media: “Hyundai Motor Company is deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our plant in Ulsan, South Korea.

“[We will] cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to determine the cause of this incident.”