Pyongyang: North Korea's state media announced that its new destroyer, which was damaged last week during a launch attempt, is currently under repair. The announcement also revealed that an official has been detained in connection with the investigation into the warship accident.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the investigation group presented its findings to the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea. Subsequently, law enforcement summoned and detained Ri Hyong-son, vice department director of the party's Munitions Industry Department, citing his significant responsibility for the accident.
The incident occurred when the destroyer tipped over and became partially submerged during its launch ceremony in the eastern port city of Chongjin. The accident resulted in damage to the ship's hull. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who attended the event, described the accident as a "criminal act" and attributed it to carelessness and irresponsibility. He has ordered the ship's restoration to be completed by June.
In the course of the investigation, North Korea also summoned the manager of the Chongjin Shipyard and detained several key figures, including the shipyard's chief engineer, the head of the hull construction workshop, and a deputy manager for administrative affairs.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that efforts to restore the balance of the warship are ongoing at the accident scene. This work is being conducted under the technical guidance of an expert group and is proceeding according to a set schedule.