North Korea began a full-scale investigation into an accident that damaged a new warship at its launch ceremony this week, state-run media reported Friday, with investigators vowing that those culpable "can never evade their responsibility for the crime.

North Korea has begun a full-scale investigation into the accident that occurred during the launch of a warship earlier this week, state media KCNA reported on Friday. KCNA previously said the incident was caused by a loss of balance while the vessel was being launched and sections of the bottom of the warship were crushed.