Fluoride Gas Leak Prompts Evacuation at SK hynix Memory Chip Factory

• June 1, 2026

On June 1, 2026, a fire incident at SK hynix’s semiconductor manufacturing campus in Cheongju, South Korea, resulted in a release of hydrofluoric acid (HF) gas, triggering an emergency evacuation of approximately 3,600 employees from the M15 and M15X production facilities.

Incident and Response at SK hynix Cheongju Campus

The blaze occurred within the campus that hosts multiple production lines for SK hynix’s memory chips. At the time of the event, ten workers were present near the area where the leak took place. Due to the dangerous nature of hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic substance used in semiconductor manufacturing, the company promptly carried out a large-scale evacuation to ensure personnel safety.

Following the incident, seven individuals who were in proximity to the leak zone received medical attention and were admitted to hospitals for thorough examination and observation. The company has not reported any fatalities or severe injuries related to the event.

Despite the disruption caused by the emergency response, SK hynix confirmed that its production lines remained operational and sustained no damage from the fire or gas exposure. This suggests that safety protocols and containment measures functioned effectively to prevent damage to critical manufacturing infrastructure.

Hydrofluoric acid is commonly used in semiconductor fabrication for cleaning and etching silicon wafers. Its presence at the plant is standard; however, accidental leaks pose significant health hazards due to the gas’s corrosive and toxic properties.

SK hynix’s rapid evacuation and medical response highlight the company’s preparedness for industrial emergencies, particularly given the volatile materials used in chip production processes. The company has not released detailed information regarding the cause of the fire or subsequent investigations.

The incident underscores the ongoing risks associated with operating advanced manufacturing facilities, especially in the semiconductor sector where chemical safety is paramount. It also raises attention to the importance of continuous monitoring and safety improvements in plants handling hazardous substances.

As of this report, SK hynix continues to evaluate the situation, and further updates regarding the cause of the fire and measures taken to prevent future incidents are expected.

A fire at SK hynix’s Cheongju plant led to a hydrofluoric acid leak and evacuation of 3,600 staff, with production unaffected.