Bridge Collapse Bowed Head Ju Woo-jung Hyundai Engineering CEO "Actively Cooperating with Government Investigation"

Joo Woo-jung Holds Press Conference
Regarding Suspicions of Missing Fastening Devices
"We Will Wait for the Investigation Results
Supporting the Bereaved Families Is the Top Priority"

At the construction site of the Seoul-Sejong Expressway, Joo Woo-jeong, CEO of Hyundai Engineering, who caused 10 casualties, is speaking at a press conference held on the 28th at the company headquarters in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choi Seo-yoon

Joo Woo-jung, CEO of Hyundai Engineering, responded on the 28th regarding suspicions that the collapsed structure at the Seoul-Sejong Expressway construction site had no proper fastening devices, stating, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Construction Accident Investigation Committee has begun its investigation, so we will cooperate and wait for the results." On the morning of the same day, CEO Joo held a press conference related to the accident at the headquarters in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, along with Park Sang-jun, Head of the Architecture Business Division, and Kim Jeong-bae, Head of the Safety and Quality Division.

At the event, Head Kim said, "Normally, when installing girders (steel beams connecting across pillars), anti-overturning equipment is installed, and I understand that such equipment was installed at this construction site as well. However, since the investigation is ongoing, it is difficult to comment further." Hyundai Engineering has used the ‘DR Girder Launching Temporary Construction’ method at four sites nationwide, all of which have been completed.

Regarding support for the injured and bereaved families, CEO Joo stated, "In addition to funeral procedures and medical support, we plan to provide a small amount of living expenses of 3 million KRW per person." He added, "I have personally met with the families of six casualties so far and will meet with the remaining four families as well." He further emphasized, "Supporting the bereaved families is the most urgent priority right now, and we are focusing on that."

Regarding the cost of reconstruction, Head Kim said, "It is difficult to comment at this stage. The cost can only be estimated after the investigation results are released."

Hyundai Engineering stated that it will actively cooperate with the relevant agencies' investigations and will promptly proceed with the restoration of the National Road No. 34 and surrounding facilities after the investigation is completed or approved.

Joo Woo-jung, CEO of Hyundai Engineering, is bowing his head in apology ahead of a statement regarding the 'Seoul-Sejong Expressway Accident' at the headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 28th. Photo by Yonhap News

Hyundai Engineering (57.2%) is leading the construction of the Seoul-Sejong Expressway (Section 9), which spans the boundary area between Yangdae-ri, Ipjang-myeon, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungnam, and In-ri, Seoun-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. It has been conducting the construction as part of a consortium with Hoban Industries (34.4%) and Beomyang Construction (8.4%, currently withdrawn). The subcontractor Jangheon Industry was responsible for installing the girder, the steel structure forming the bridge deck, while Gangsan Development was in charge of placing the slab (deck) on top of the girder.

At the construction site, during the process of placing the girder, a steel structure supporting the upper part of the bridge, and removing the launcher (installation equipment), a large steel structure and the road deck collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four workers and injuries to six others. All the deceased were subcontracted employees.

The police conducted searches at seven locations, including Hyundai Engineering and the headquarters and offices of the client, Korea Expressway Corporation, on the same day. On the 26th, the day after the accident, the police summoned and investigated construction-related personnel from Hyundai Engineering and subcontractors Jangheon Industry and Gangsan Development as witnesses.

At the press conference held on the 28th at Hyundai Engineering's headquarters in Gyedong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, regarding the Seoul-Sejong Expressway bridge collapse accident, from the right: Joo Woo-jung, CEO of Hyundai Engineering; Park Sang-jun, Head of the Architecture Business Division; Kim Jeong-bae, Head of the Safety and Quality Division. Photo by Choi Seo-yoon