President Lee Jae Myung has called for a quick investigation and severe punishment for those accountable for recent safety incidents, including the collapse of a Seoul overpass that resulted in the death of three workers. The president emphasized the need for accountability during a meeting with senior aides following the tragic incident at the Seosomun Overpass.
Lee also highlighted a concerning discovery that the underground construction at Samseong Station lacked adequate reinforcement, underscoring the gravity of safety lapses in the public sector. He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth promptly and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of their position, emphasizing that human lives should always take precedence over financial considerations.
Despite a decrease in workplace fatalities in the first quarter of the year, President Lee acknowledged that the number of deaths remains unacceptably high. He reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing safety as a crucial investment and vowed to allocate maximum resources to protect the lives of the public.
Following the tragic incident, the labor ministry has conditionally approved the resumption of demolition work on the overpass, subject to the implementation of enhanced safety measures. Emergency demolition work is set to commence, with a focus on ensuring the safety of workers involved in the construction activities.
The city government revealed that workers present during the collapse lacked essential fall-prevention safety equipment, leading to fatal consequences. Investigations showed that safety protocols were in place, requiring workers to use safety gear to prevent falls, but the individuals involved in the accident failed to adhere to these guidelines.
