Four workers of Geochung Shipbuilding’s Busan-based yard have been crushed to death earlier today by a falling structure at the shipyard, South Korean news agency Yonhap informed.
According to the Busan Fire Department, the operator’s cabin attached to a 40-ton crane used for shipbuilding broke away and fell from about 20 meters height during crane demolition work.
The cabin rolled over on its side, crushing one person inside and three people who were standing on top of it, Yonhap said.
A fifth worker managed to escape the structure and was not hurt, Korea Herald reported.
The cause of the accident is believed to be breach of safety procedures during attempts to disconnect the cabin.
Investigation into the case is underway.
World Maritime News Staff; Image of the scene of the accident is available here .