'Criminal act': North Korea says 'serious accident' occurred during warship launch ceremony

Calling "Serious accident" occurred at the shipyard a "criminal act," North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un indicated that those responsible for these "irresponsible errors" would face consequences at an upcoming plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee next month.

North Korea said that the accident occurred the previous day at a shipyard in the eastern port city of Chongjin during a ceremony to launch a newly built 5,000-ton destroyer, KCNA reported.

Citing "inexperience command and operational carelessness" in the course of the launch, North Korea said there was a mishap which left "some sections of the warship's bottom crushed".

Kim, who witnessed the entire event, labelled it a "criminal act caused by absolute carelessness" and stated it was unacceptable.

He indicated that those responsible for these "irresponsible errors" would face consequences at an upcoming plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee next month.

Last month, North Korea introduced another 5,000-ton destroyer named Choe Hyon.

State media showed Kim attending the ceremony with his daughter Ju Ae, whom experts consider his probable successor.

North Korea stated the vessel contained the "most powerful weapons" and would become operational early next year.

Analysts suggest the vessel might carry short-range tactical nuclear missiles, although North Korea has not demonstrated capability to miniaturise nuclear weapons.

South Korean military officials suggest Russian assistance in developing the Choe Hyon, possibly in exchange for North Korean troops supporting Moscow's conflict with Kyiv.

The two nations recently began construction of their first connecting road bridge.