Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Gwangju Building Collapse Causing 17 Casualties

Arrest Warrants Issued for Excavator Operator and Site Manager on 'Flight Risk' Grounds

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the building collapse accident in the Gwangju redevelopment area that resulted in 17 casualties.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 17th that arrest warrants were issued for excavator operator Mr. A and Hansol site manager Mr. B on charges including professional negligence causing death and injury.

The court reportedly issued the arrest warrants, citing concerns that they might flee.

They are accused of forcibly proceeding with demolition while ignoring safety regulations such as illegal subcontracting and non-compliance with the demolition plan, which led to the collapse of a five-story building causing 17 casualties. Nine people died and eight were seriously injured in the accident.

The police have so far booked a total of 14 people for investigation. The day before, they applied for an arrest warrant for a supervisor accused of failing to fulfill their responsibilities.

Hyundai Development Company, the contractor, awarded the demolition work to Hansol, which then subcontracted it again to Baeksol. While Hyundai Development’s contract with Hansol is not problematic, Hansol’s subcontracting to Baeksol is illegal.

Problems are also emerging throughout the construction process. According to the demolition plan, demolition was supposed to start from the top floor, the fifth floor, but this was ignored, and the first and second floors were demolished first. When the excavator could not reach the fifth floor, there is evidence that it was forced inside the building.

The police are conducting a wide-ranging investigation, including raids on local governments responsible for overall management and supervision of the redevelopment project, as well as Hyundai Development’s Seoul headquarters and construction division offices.

Meanwhile, at around 4:20 p.m. on the 9th, a five-story building under demolition in the Hakdong redevelopment area of Dong-gu, Gwangju, collapsed, and debris covered a city bus on the road. The bus was completely buried, resulting in a major disaster with nine passengers dead and eight seriously injured.