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Two workers lose fingers in latest in string of Samlip factory accidents

Published: 10 Apr. 2026, 13:50

A fire rages at a Samlip factory in Siheung, Gyeonggi, on Feb. 2. [YONHAP]

The fingers of two workers were partially severed while they were inspecting equipment at a Samlip bread factory in Siheung, Gyeonggi, authorities said Friday.

The latest accident, which follows a worker’s death last year and a major fire earlier this year, has drawn criticism that the company’s repeated pledges to strengthen safety measures have rung hollow.

According to police and fire authorities, the incident occurred at around 12:19 a.m., when two maintenance workers were replacing a conveyor sensor on a hamburger bun production line at the plant.

One worker lost the middle and ring fingers on his left hand, while the other had part of his right thumb severed. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they underwent reattachment surgery and are now recovering.

Investigators believe the accident occurred after a malfunction signal went off while production workers were away on a meal break. Maintenance staff was dispatched to repair the sensor, but the machine suddenly restarted during the process, causing the injuries.

Police have secured surveillance footage from the plant and are examining whether safety protocols, including shutting off power to the equipment, had been followed.

If not, those responsible could be charged with occupational negligence resulting in injury.

The plant in Siheung has seen a string of serious incidents over the past year. In May of last year, a woman died after being caught in machinery while inspecting a cooling unit. In February, a large fire destroyed two factory buildings and forced the evacuation of hundreds of workers.

The latest accident, which comes less than two months after the fire, has raised fresh concerns about the stability and safety of the plant’s equipment.

The company recently attempted a reset, rebranding itself from SPC Samlip to Samlip as part of a broader shift under the holding company SammiDang Holdings, formerly SPC Group.

But repeated safety incidents have fueled skepticism as to whether the company has made a serious effort to improve safety.

Samlip said it “extends its deepest condolences to the injured employees and their families” and pledged to provide full support for their treatment and recovery.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO SEUNG-PYO [[email protected]]