'Ceiling Crack' Seongnam NC Department Store Yatap Branch Closed from the 17th

[Asia Economy (Seongnam) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province temporarily closed the use of the NC Department Store Yatap branch building around 4 a.m. on the 17th.

Seongnam City announced that this measure was taken due to serious concerns for public safety following the ceiling crack on the 2nd floor and the falling of a glass support (smoke vent window) on the 1st floor that occurred the previous afternoon.

Immediately after the incident, Seongnam City conducted an emergency safety inspection with three members of the Seongnam City Safety Management Advisory Group, consisting of architects and engineers. The inspection tentatively concluded that the ceiling crack on the 2nd floor was caused by bolts connecting the ceiling frame and the gypsum board finishing material falling off, resulting in sagging. It was also determined that the smoke vent window on the 1st floor fell because the bolts connecting it to the ceiling could not bear the load.

Following this measure, a detailed inspection of the department store building will be conducted. In particular, the building will not be allowed to be used until public safety is ensured.

Currently, the NC Department Store Yatap branch has suspended operations. It will undergo a detailed diagnosis and safety measures by an external safety expert organization before resuming business.

A city official emphasized, "During the detailed safety inspection of NC Department Store, the Seongnam City Safety Management Advisory Group will be present to thoroughly ensure that citizens can use the facility safely."