[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Merchants affected by the collapse accident at Hwajeong I-Park in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, claimed on the 22nd that "the fundamental cause of the accident is Seo-gu Office."
The Hwajeong I-Park Construction Site Damage Countermeasures Committee condemned the situation in front of the accident site, stating, "If proper management and supervision had been conducted, an unprecedented incident like this could not have occurred."
They expressed frustration, saying, "We have filed complaints with the district office so far, but nothing has been done. Seeing the officials responsible for permits and approvals at the site makes our blood boil and breaks our hearts."
In particular, they pointed out, "During the 3 years and 10 months of construction, we raised hundreds of concerns about underground excavation issues, wastewater discharge, falling rocks, and the establishment of temporary parking lots, but Seo-gu Office neglected the construction to proceed."
The merchants questioned, "Why are the officials responsible for building permits and approvals not held accountable? Why must the common people suffer the damage? How long has it been since the Hakdong disaster?"
They also proposed, "To prevent such incidents from happening again, this case must be clearly resolved, and the responsible officials at Seo-gu Office should be severely punished."
Finally, they claimed, "Seo-gu Office has become an accomplice, like a corporate group committing fraud against the public."
Meanwhile, the accident occurred around 3:46 p.m. on the 11th at the apartment construction site when the exterior walls of Building 201 from the 23rd to 38th floors collapsed.
As a result, one worker died, and five went missing. It is estimated that they were responsible for window installation and fire-fighting equipment work on the 28th to 34th floors of the collapsed building.
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