Police book 7 people in probe over fatal SPC bread factory accident

A machine at an SPC factory where a fatal accident took place, killing one worker, is shown at a factory in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, May 19. Courtesy of Siheung Fire Station

Police have booked seven people, including the plant manager, as part of their investigations into a fatal accident at a bakery factory affiliated with SPC Group earlier this week, officials said Thursday.

The accident occurred at SPC's factory in the city of Siheung, just southwest of Seoul, on Monday, when the worker, known only as a woman in her 50s, reportedly had her upper body caught in the conveyor belt during lubrication work.

The Siheung Police Station said it has booked seven factory officials on charges of occupational negligence resulting in death.

The factory staff are accused of allegedly failing to ensure proper safety management, leading to the death of their employee.

Police authorities are currently questioning the officials as suspects in the case. They have also brought in employees who were working alongside the victim at the time as witnesses.

Police said the number of people booked in the case could increase as the investigation proceeds.