Police officers from the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency are seen carrying documents after conducting a search and seizure at the safety-related department of Pohang City Hall on the 5th. The police are investigating the cause and responsibility for the flooding incident in an apartment in Pohang during Typhoon Hinnamnor. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A search and seizure was conducted on the management office of an apartment in Indeok-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, where seven people died due to flooding in the underground parking lot during Typhoon Hinnamnor.
The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency announced on the 5th that they conducted a search and seizure at Pohang City Hall and the management office of the accident apartment to investigate the cause of the underground parking lot flooding.
According to the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency, the investigation team executed warrants from the morning of the same day at Pohang City Hall, the management office of Apartment A in Indeok-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, and the management company.
The police seized and are analyzing materials such as CCTV footage from the scene at the time of the accident from the Safety General Division and Disaster Safety Situation Room, which are safety-related departments of Pohang City Hall, flood control measures prepared for the typhoon's approach, and records of site visits and actions taken before and after the accident.
It was also confirmed that the police secured materials related to river maintenance projects held by Pohang City concerning Naengcheon, where a nearby embankment of the apartment collapsed.
The police are investigating whether Pohang City was negligent in disaster preparedness and response. They also plan to determine responsibility regarding whether the apartment management office made announcements to residents about relocating their vehicles during the accident and whether drainage facilities were properly managed.
A police official stated, "Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm anything other than the fact that the warrants were executed."
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