North Korea detains three officials over warship launch accident

North Korea makes arrests over botched ship launch

13 hours ago Share Save Jaroslav Lukiv BBC News Share Save

Maxar Satellite images showed the destroyer lying on its side covered by large blue tarpaulins

North Korea has detained three shipyard officials over an accident during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, state media say. Parts of the 5,000-tonne destroyer's bottom were crushed during the launch ceremony, tipping the vessel off balance. An investigation into the incident, which North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un described as a "criminal act", is ongoing. KCNA, North Korea's official news agency, identified those detained as the chief engineer of the northern Chongjin shipyard where the destroyer was built, as well as the construction head and an administrative manager. The report said that the three were "responsible for the accident".