North Korea says damaged destroyer under repair

ANKARA

North Korean authorities have detained a fourth official in connection with an investigation into the failed launch last week of a naval destroyer, which is now under repair, state media reported Monday.

The investigating group reported its work to the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea on Sunday and the law enforcement organ summoned and detained Ri Hyong-son, vice department director of the party's Munitions Industry Department, over the accident, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Investigators described Ri as "greatly responsible" for the accident.

"At the scene of the destroyer launch accident, work for completely restoring the balance of the warship is being actively conducted under the technical guidance of an expert group," the KCNA said.

The launch of the newly built 5,000-ton destroyer failed in the eastern port city of Chongjin as its stern slid ahead of the bow, causing structural damage and preventing the vessel from fully leaving the shipway.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also condemned the accident as a “criminal act” stemming from “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism” and promised to punish those responsible.

*Writing by Aamir Latif