Toll Booth Accident Trauma Leaves Machang Bridge Toll Collector 'Shaking'

Minnochoong Gyeongnam Headquarters Holds Press Conference Urging Countermeasure Preparation

The Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has called for measures to address the Machang Bridge tollgate accident and to resolve workers' trauma. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Toll booth workers at the Machang Bridge tollgate in Changwon, Gyeongnam, urged for measures regarding the tollgate vehicle collision accident in front of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office on the 7th.

On the 9th of last month, at around 12:46 PM, a cargo truck mistakenly entered the general Hi-Pass lane while passing through the Machang Bridge tollgate, causing a collision with the tollgate.

At the time of the accident, there were no workers at tollgate number 14 where the accident occurred, so no casualties were reported, but the glass windows were shattered and facilities were damaged.

Two employees working at tollgates number 11 and 13, who witnessed the accident, were shocked and were immediately taken to the hospital after the accident. They are currently receiving psychiatric treatment for acute post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Gyeongnam Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions stated, “After the accident, we publicly questioned Gyeongnam Province and the operating company, and they responded that they would additionally install speed limit signs and rear monitoring screens behind the toll booths.” They added, “Gyeongnam Province instructed that workers should return after a sufficient treatment period and completion of treatment, but the company made them take unpaid leave for treatment.”

They explained that although the tollgate was damaged and the glass windows were shattered or cracked, it has been left as is, covered with cardboard boxes and tape.

The headquarters said, “This is not simply an issue concerning Machang Bridge tollgate workers,” and added, “We will conduct an emergency survey on tollgate workers in the Gyeongnam area and launch a campaign to improve working conditions.”

The Gyeongnam Headquarters demanded ▲ the establishment of special measures such as expansion of safety facilities ▲ operation of a trauma status investigation program for toll collection workers ▲ recognition of paid leave for all workers suffering trauma due to the shock of the accident, stating, “The company claims that the cause of the accident was driver negligence, so the treatment due to the accident should be borne by the workers personally, and the tollgate damage should be resolved by the insurance company.”