North Korea has detained three shipyard officials over an accident during the launch of a new warship on Wednesday, state media has reported. Parts of the 5,000-ton destroyer's bottom were crushed during the launch ceremony, tipping the vessel off balance.

Leader Kim Jong-un called the botched launch of the new naval destroyer a ‘criminal act caused by absolute carelessness’.

Kim Jong-un calls mishap involving newly built 5,000-tonne destroyer a ‘criminal act caused by absolute carelessness’.