Hydrogen bus explosion in South Korea raises industry safety concerns

Investigations by various authorities are underway to determine the cause of the accident in Chungju-si.

A hydrogen-fueled city bus exploded at a charging station in Mokhaeng-dong, Chungju-si, on December 23rd, leaving three individuals seriously injured and sparking industry-wide discussions about the safety of hydrogen-powered public transport, reports FCW.

The explosion occurred around 11:10 AM as the bus was refueling, resulting in significant injuries to a charging station employee, the bus driver, and another individual. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that the explosion did not ignite a fire.

Initial reports suggest the hydrogen fuel cell "stack," located at the lower rear of the bus and responsible for converting hydrogen into electric energy, may have caused the incident. Fire and police authorities, alongside the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the exact cause.

The bus, part of a fleet purchased in August 2022 by Chungju City for 600 million won each, was part of a broader initiative to enhance public transportation with sustainable energy solutions. Following the explosion, the city suspended all hydrogen bus operations, replacing them temporarily with chartered vehicles.

Authorities, including the Korea Transportation Safety Authority and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, are collaborating with the bus manufacturer to identify the root cause and ensure that appropriate safety enhancements are implemented.