Gwangju Accident: Minister Jeon Hae-cheol and Mayor Lee Yong-seop Reported by Phone... Ordered Thorough Investigation and Accountability
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in expressed deep condolences to the citizens of Gwangju regarding the building collapse accident in Gwangju Metropolitan City and instructed the government ministries to jointly prepare measures to prevent recurrence.
Park Kyung-mi, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated on the 10th, "President Moon has been receiving frequent reports since immediately after the accident, and on the morning of the 10th, he received a phone report from Minister Jeon Hae-cheol of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju Metropolitan City."
President Moon said, "I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and furthermore to the citizens of Gwangju."
President Moon instructed, "The Gwangju City government, Dong-gu Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ministry of the Interior and Safety must take all measures to ease the pain of the victims and their families through funeral procedures for the deceased and support for the treatment of the injured."
President Moon demanded a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and clarification of responsibility by the police, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and other related agencies. He instructed, "Verify whether the prior approval process was lawful, whether safety measures around the building demolition site were properly taken, and whether safety management regulations and procedures were followed during the work."
President Moon emphasized, "What is most regrettable is that despite signs of the accident, vehicle control was not enforced at the site, leading to great casualties," and added, "Conduct a swift and thorough investigation and handle the matter strictly." Furthermore, President Moon added, "Explain the progress in detail to the victims and their families so that no suspicion remains."
President Moon instructed, "It is regrettable that a similar accident occurred again despite recurrence prevention measures being established after the 2019 Jamwon-dong demolition accident," and said, "Check the implementation status of the recurrence prevention measures to ensure that such accidents never happen again, and promptly prepare supplementary measures jointly with related ministries."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
