South Korea

On December 27, 2024, a hydrogen leak occurred at a refueling station in Hoedong-dong, Busan, South Korea. The leak led to a fire, which was extinguished within approximately 50 minutes. Initial reports described the incident as an explosion due to a loud noise and vibrations felt in nearby buildings; however, subsequent investigations clarified that it was a fire that resulted from a hydrogen leak caused by the activation of a safety valve, not an explosion. No casualties were reported.

Date
27/12/2024
Location
South Korea
Industry
Public Transportation
Substance
Hydrogen
Cause

The incident was caused by a hydrogen leak resulting from the activation of a safety valve. The exact cause of ignition remains unknown.

Consequence
  • Fire at the hydrogen refueling station, leading to temporary closure and inspection of the facility.
  • No injuries or fatalities reported.
Injuries

None reported.

Fatalities

None reported.

Lessons Learned

Although these lessons haven’t been raised from an official investigation report, the following lessons can be taken on-board from the incident:

  • Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of safety valves and other critical components are essential to prevent unintended activations and leaks.
  • Emergency Response Preparedness: Establishing and practicing comprehensive emergency response plans can ensure swift action to mitigate incidents and protect personnel and property.
Sources / References
  1. https://www.hydrogeninsight.com/transport/safety-concerns-grow-after-two-explosions-at-south-korean-hydrogen-filling-stations-in-same-week/2-1-1759496
Busan Hydrogen

Firefighters outside the machine room at the Busan hydrogen refuelling station following the fire on 27 December.Â

Image Source: Busan fire department via Hydrogen Insights.

Analysis

At approximately 11:10 AM on December 27, 2024, a hydrogen leak occurred at a refueling station in Hoedong-dong, Busan. The leak led to a fire, which was extinguished within about 50 minutes. Initial reports described the incident as an explosion due to a loud noise and vibrations felt in nearby buildings; however, subsequent investigations clarified that it was a fire that resulted from a hydrogen leak caused by the activation of a safety valve, not an explosion. No casualties were reported.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 11:10 AM, a hydrogen-powered city bus exploded at a refueling station in Mokhaeng-dong, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. The explosion occurred shortly after the bus had completed refueling and the driver attempted to start the engine. The blast resulted in significant damage to the rear of the bus and caused injuries to three individuals present at the scene.

Date
23/12/2024
Location
South Korea
Industry
Public Transportation
Substance
Hydrogen
Cause

The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that the hydrogen fuel cell “stack,” located at the lower rear of the bus and responsible for converting hydrogen into electric energy, may have malfunctioned, leading to the incident.

Consequence
  • Severe damage to the hydrogen-powered bus, particularly the rear section.
  • Injuries to three individuals: a charging station employee, the bus driver, and another person present at the scene. All three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Temporary suspension of all 18 hydrogen-powered buses operating in Chungju for safety inspections.
Injuries

3

Fatalities

None reported.

Lessons Learned

Although these lessons haven’t been raised from an official investigation report, the following lessons can be taken on-board from the incident:

  • Comprehensive Vehicle Maintenance: Regular and thorough inspections of hydrogen fuel cell components are essential to identify and address potential malfunctions before they lead to hazardous situations.
  • Enhanced Safety Protocols at Refueling Stations: Implement stringent safety measures and emergency response plans at hydrogen refueling stations to mitigate risks associated with hydrogen fueling operations.
Sources / References

1. https://www.hydrogeninsight.com/transport/man-seriously-injured-after-faulty-hyundai-hydrogen-bus-explodes-at-refuelling-station-in-south-korea/2-1-1757947

2. https://www.mobilityplaza.org/news/39892

3. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/02/113_389147.html

Hydrogen-Powered Bus Explosion at Chungju Refueling Station – December 23, 2024

Picture showing the aftermath of a hydrogen-powered bus explosion at a refueling station in Chungju, South Korea, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures in hydrogen fuel applications.

Image source: Korea Times

Analysis

The incident occurred at approximately 11:10 AM on December 23, 2024, when a hydrogen-powered city bus, having just completed refueling at a station in Mokhaeng-dong, Chungju-si, exploded as the driver attempted to start the engine. The explosion originated from the rear section of the bus, causing substantial damage to the vehicle and injuring three individuals: a charging station employee, the bus driver, and another person nearby. All three were transported to a local hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening. In response to the incident, Chungju city authorities suspended the operation of all 18 hydrogen-powered buses in the region to conduct comprehensive safety inspections. Investigations by relevant authorities, including the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the explosion.

An experimental facility to generate green hydrogen through the use of an electrolyser from solar energy was setup in Gangneung, South Korea. On 23rd May 2019 the Hydrogen Storage tank exploded resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Date
23/05/2019
Location
South Korea
Industry
Hydrogen
Substance
Hydrogen
Cause

Multiple causes were identified:
– A malfunctioning separation membrane in the electrolyser allowed oxygen to diffuse into the Hydrogen stream contaminating it with upto 6% Oxygen.
– Membrane malfunction was exacerbated by the Electrolyser operating below its minimum power levels due to variable output of the solar panels.
– A static spark combined with the presence of oxygen in the Hydrogen stream resulted in the explosion.

Additional factors that also played a part included:
– Design Deficiencies: System lacked oxygen removal and static spark prevention mechanism in the storage tank. Potentially due to cost.
– Operator Error: Operators ignored the oxygen detectors indicating Oxygen levels had risen above 3%.
– Management Failures: Failure to adhere to the requirement of daily testing of the hydrogen stream quality.

Consequence

– Destroyed the centre’s 5,100m2 building.
– Damaged the windows and structures of neighbouring buildings within 100m.
– Two people died.
– Six others were injured.
– Explosion was heard in the city 7km away from the site.

Injuries

6

Fatalities

2

Lessons Learned

The following lessons were learnt on the aftermath of the incident:
– Important to ensure design is properly reviewed and scrutinised for safety and cost cutting measures not implemented in lieu of safety.
– Operator training on alarm response is critical.
– Ensuring that operational requirements for testing is regularly monitored and audited to ensure adherence to procedures.

Sources / References
  1. European Hydrogen Incidents and Accidents database HIAD 2.1, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Petten, the Netherlands
No featured image found

Analysis

The experimental facility consisted of:
– Three buffer tanks, each with a capacity of 40 m3.
– One Tank Pressurised at 12bar, other two at 7 bar.
– 200kW alkaline electrolyser with a production capacity of 40 m3/hr of Hydrogen at 12bar.