Separated stormwater pipe at the accident site in Yongin City. Rainwater should flow through the stormwater pipe and fall under the river bridge, but it is cut off and separated, failing to perform its function.
[Asia Economy (Yongin) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] "Most disasters are man-made."
We do not want to believe this proposition. However, the reality that we have no choice but to believe is heartbreaking.
At 10:30 p.m. on the 8th, Park (44), owner of A Cafe at 366 Sinbong-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, fought against a landslide mixed with heavy rain along with her husband Ahn (51) and their son Ahn.
However, the massive water flow coming down from the foothills of Gwanggyosan was too overwhelming for them to stop. The soil quickly engulfed the entire cafe, and as a result, Mr. Ahn underwent major surgery with over 100 stitches on his neck, arms, back, and chest. Their son also suffered a serious injury, including torn ligaments.
The property damage was also significant. The coffee roasting machine and the warehouse storing coffee beans were completely flooded, and the coffee factory was damaged. Ms. Park estimates the property damage to be over 100 million won.
However, to conclude, Ms. Park claims that this accident was a "preventable man-made disaster."
About 40 days before the accident, on June 30, when the cafe was again at risk of flooding for the same reason, she reported the seriousness of the situation to the Construction and Road Department of Suji-gu Office, Yongin City. At that time, Ms. Park urged for countermeasures, warning that the flooding damage would worsen with the onset of heavy summer rains.
That evening, Officer Cha visited the site and acknowledged Ms. Park's point that construction waste and the cutting of stormwater pipes from the construction project (Yongin Urban Planning Road Suji So2-87 Opening Construction (Section 2)) between Gwanggyosan and the cafe could be the cause of the flooding. He promised to take restoration and preventive measures.
Following this, on July 4, Ms. Park requested Team Leader Kim of the Construction and Road Team to visit the site and devise countermeasures. Team Leader Kim visited the site three days later, citing prior appointments and leave.
At the site, Team Leader Kim promised Ms. Park to take measures regarding the stormwater pipes cut for bridge expansion and to install two drainage pipes. However, after the accident, Ms. Park checked the site and found that no measures had been taken on the stormwater pipes, and only one drainage pipe had been installed.
Ms. Park points to the bridge expansion construction as the direct cause of the accident.
Drainage pipe on the construction bridge installed to channel water flowing down from the mountain into the stream. Initially, Suji District Office promised to install two drainage pipes here but only installed one. As a result, it is being pointed out that the sudden surge of water could not drain properly, causing a flooding incident.
She stated, "The bridge expansion was originally supposed to be completed in April this year, but due to construction delays, related materials piled up around the area, and even the stormwater pipes installed for drainage were cut during the construction without proper measures. As a result, water coming down from Gwanggyosan changed direction and, along with soil, directly hit the cafe about 10 meters away."
Ms. Park especially criticized, "Due to the careless flood prevention measures by those responsible, human casualties occurred, and now they are showing an attitude of trying to evade responsibility."
In response, Team Leader Kim said, "After receiving the report from the cafe on June 30, we took measures such as installing drainage pipes and prepared for heavy rain as best as we could. However, it is unfair to say that the damage occurred because Suji-gu Office did not fully prepare, without considering the heavy rain of over 100 millimeters per hour."
He added, "Although the cafe's damage is unfortunate, the construction company carrying out the road expansion has been advised to claim insurance compensation for the damages. After an on-site investigation, the insurance company will determine whether it was a natural disaster and proceed with payment."
He further noted, "However, the only way for Yongin City or the district office to provide compensation is if the victim applies for natural disaster relief."
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