'Gwangju Collapse Accident' Vertical Exterior Wall Collapse and Crane Overturning Among Numerous Risk Factors

Ensuring Safety with Installation of Falling Object Prevention Nets and Reinforcement of Crane Wires

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] It has been nine days since the collapse accident at a newly built apartment in Gwangju, but five of the six missing persons have not yet been found.

The Accident Response Integrated Headquarters has formed an advisory group to discuss safety inspections and search methods, but the search has not progressed quickly due to concerns about additional collapses.

According to the headquarters on the 19th, once stabilization of the building's exterior wall collapse and tower crane overturning is completed, full-scale search operations are expected to begin as early as the beginning of next week.

There are risk factors on the south and east sides of Building 201, which collapsed from the 38th to the 23rd floor, and stabilization work will be carried out first to ensure the safety of rescue workers.

On the south side, the most significant risk factor is the precariously hanging exterior wall. The exterior wall stands vertically on the 23rd floor, where a work elevator is attached. If strong winds blow or vibrations occur during heavy equipment operations, the center of gravity may shift southward.

On the right side, between the 25th and 26th floors, a large amount of debris accumulated from the upper floors' collapse poses a risk of falling debris.

The biggest risk factor on the north side of the building is the tower crane. Two support anchors holding the tower crane have detached, and it is highly likely to topple during heavy equipment operations.

Additionally, there are five concrete counterweights that serve as the tower crane's balancing weights, which are expected to pose significant risks during dismantling. The rooftop floor has also partially collapsed, and without safety fences, there is a risk of falls during work.

The headquarters is currently focusing all efforts on stabilization, including installing debris prevention nets. Before dismantling the tower crane, which is the greatest risk factor, wire reinforcement work is underway, with dismantling scheduled to begin on the 20th and be completed by the 21st.