The group representing victims of the fire at the Arisel factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, held a press conference on the afternoon of the 27th near the Presidential Office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, urging for a thorough investigation and support measures for the bereaved families.
On the morning of the 23rd, marking the 30th day since the Arisel fire accident, participants hold memorial photos at a press conference condemning Arisel's avoidance of negotiations and urging government measures, held in front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The Arisel Major Disaster Countermeasures Committee (Countermeasures Committee) and the Arisel Industrial Accident Victims' Families Association pointed out at the conference, "The company should admit its fault, apologize, and negotiate with the bereaved families, but it is solely focused on individual settlements to avoid criminal punishment."
They also criticized, "A proper investigation into the truth through the inquiry is not being conducted," and "The government is responding as if watching a fire from across the river."
They urged, "Hwaseong City plans to stop supporting the bereaved families' stay after the 31st," and "The government must come up with countermeasures."
Choi Hyun-joo, the wife of the late Kim Byung-chul, who worked as the head of the Arisel research institute and died in the accident, said, "My husband did his best for the company and always thought about the company's development even after work and on weekends," adding, "We will hold Arisel accountable for trampling on people's sincerity and dedication."
After the press conference, they marched to Seoul Station Plaza and held a citizen memorial ceremony.
On the morning of the 24th of last month, a fire broke out on the second floor of Building 3 at the Arisel factory, resulting in 23 deaths and 8 injuries. The deceased were identified as 5 Koreans, 17 Chinese, and 1 Laotian.
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