N.Korea to investigate, restrain officials responsible for destroyer accident
A new destroyer was damaged in an accident during its launch ceremony at the Chongjin Shipyard in the country's northeast on Wednesday.
The Friday edition of the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said an investigation team, including public prosecutors and other experts, had reported its investigation contents to the party's Central Military Commission on Thursday.
Satellite imagery shows the vessel lying on its side and partially submerged.
The team's report said there were no holes at the bottom of the vessel as initially reported. It added the stern section is partially flooded.
The Central Military Commission reportedly expressed its view that the extent of damage to the ship is not serious. The newspaper said the commission instructed the team to identify who is to blame for the incident.
The commission reportedly said despite the condition of the warship, the fact that the accident is an unpardonable criminal act remains unchanged.
Experts in South Korea said Pyongyang may be aiming at tightening control of the country by punishing those responsible for the incident.
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