Delivery Worker Swept Away and Killed in Rapid Current Accident
As heavy rain poured across the Seoul metropolitan area causing floods in various places, some delivery drivers were spotted continuing their delivery work despite the weather.
On the 18th, KBS revealed footage of delivery drivers preparing shipments at a logistics center belonging to a well-known domestic logistics company. In the video, about 50 delivery drivers are seen moving rain-soaked packages into cargo compartments. One driver was even caught muttering to himself, "This is like being told to die."
On that day, the delivery drivers at the logistics center raised safety concerns due to the severe weather, but it was reported that they proceeded with deliveries during a brief lull in the rain.
The appearance of delivery drivers preparing shipments in heavy rain [Image source=KBS broadcast screen capture]
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy rain warning for the entire Seoul area that day. A heavy rain warning is issued when rainfall is expected to exceed 90mm in 3 hours or 180mm in 12 hours. People are advised to refrain from going out or driving and to be cautious near rivers.
Sudden increases in rainfall caused flooding in various parts of the metropolitan area. Traffic was restricted on the entire stretch of the Dongbu Expressway in both directions (Surak Underpass to Seongsu JC), parts of the Inner Circular Road towards Seongsu (Majang to Seongdong), and the road under Jeungsan Bridge. Access to four parking lots in Seoul city was also blocked.
Tragically, a delivery driver was swept away by floodwaters caused by the heavy rain and died. At around 5:10 a.m. on the 9th, a female day laborer in her 40s, identified as A, working for a delivery company, was found dead near a small stream in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk Province. It was reported that before going missing, she had contacted someone saying, "The rain is too heavy, I don't think I can make deliveries."
There are calls to ensure the safety of outdoor workers during severe weather conditions. On the 17th, the 'Climate Crisis Emergency Action,' a coalition of about 160 civic groups, held a press conference at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions meeting room in Jung-gu, Seoul, urging the protection of the basic rights of workers and citizens to live safely and with dignity amid increasingly frequent climate disasters.
They pointed out, "The more extreme the weather, the more delivery platform companies lure delivery workers into disaster risks through additional delivery fees and promotions. Due to the lack of systems to protect platform workers, they risk their lives every day."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
