A truck full of missiles exploded in a South Korean tunnel Wednesday, but luckily nobody was harmed. Officials have been trying to downplay the explosion, but despite their efforts, it has become international news, resulting in widespread criticism of the South Korean government.
Apparently, the truck was one of the four cargo vehicles carrying warheads and boosters for Nike-Hercules missiles from an air base in Sunchon, South Cholla Province, to another base in Taegu.
The incident seems to be worrying citizens about the lack of security and safety measures in South Korean society. They point to a series of disasters such as the subway fires in Taegu which killed hundreds of people.
From The Korea Times:
The incident also enhances public concerns about the status of military discipline and order, which has been seriously eroded because of the outbreak of serious accidents. In addition, it is expected to prompt the government to replace the obsolete Nike-Hercules missiles with second-hand Patriot missiles as quickly as possible, because they are prone to accidents. Korea is the only country that still operates the Nike-Hercules missiles, which were developed in the 1950s. At present, some 200 are deployed in the country.
