Joint Exercise with Related Organizations on the 13th in Preparation for the Opening of the Deep Tunnel
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 16th that it conducted a comprehensive civil-government integrated disaster response drill on the 13th to overcome the limitations of underground disasters ahead of the opening of the deep underground tunnel in the city center.
The drill was carried out along the entire section of the Sinwol-Yeouido underground road (formerly Jemulpo Tunnel) (Sinwol IC in Yangcheon-gu to Yeouido-dong in Yeongdeungpo-gu) with the participation of related Seoul city departments, fire stations, district offices, and police stations, mobilizing about 200 vehicles.
At approximately 3.5 km from Yeouido towards Sinwol IC, a multi-vehicle collision accident caused by a vehicle fire was simulated. The drill was conducted in three stages, assuming an actual tunnel fire situation. The stages consisted of initial reporting and initial response by related personnel, Seoul city-level integrated disaster response, and transition to recovery and restoration phase.
A representative from the Fire and Disaster Headquarters explained, “This drill is meaningful in that it proactively identifies the risks and special factors of disaster response in deep underground tunnels and establishes a differentiated response system to quickly and effectively ensure citizens' safety in case of emergencies.”
In the Mont Blanc Tunnel fire (1999, France), which is often cited as a global tunnel fire case, 39 people died, and the fire lasted for 53 hours, causing damage to the concrete and resulting in a long-term tunnel closure. In South Korea, representative tunnel fire cases include the Hongjimun Tunnel fire (2003, 40 injured), Dalseong 2 Tunnel fire (2005, traffic restricted for 3 days), and Sangju Tunnel fire (2015).
Meanwhile, the Sinwol-Yeouido underground road, which is opening this time, has a system installed that thoroughly analyzes accident cases of domestic and international tunnels to predict risk factors in advance and prevent obstacles preemptively to ensure the safety of the deep underground tunnel.
Choi Tae-young, head of the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, “Considering the increasing factors causing large-scale disasters in metropolitan areas, we have systematically strengthened disaster response capabilities. We will do our best to create an urban environment where Seoul citizens can live with peace of mind.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
