A 20-Year-Old Spectator Dies After Structural Collapse at Changwon NC Park

Police Plan to Investigate the Exact Circumstances of the Accident
Investigation Expected to Target On-site Personnel and Others

A spectator who was seriously injured in a falling structure accident at Changwon NC Park in Gyeongnam has died while undergoing treatment.

According to Masan Dongbu Police Station on the 31st, on the 29th at around 5:17 p.m., during a professional baseball game, a man in his 20s, identified as A, was struck on the head and other areas by a structure that fell near the third base concession stand at Changwon NC Park in Masanhwoin-gu, suffering severe injuries.

The site of the structural accident at Changwon NC Park. Photo by Yonhap News

The structure was normally fixed in place but fell for unknown reasons on the day of the accident. It first hit the concession stand ceiling and then fell 3 to 4 meters down. It is reported to weigh about 60 kg. NC stated that the structure was a 2.6-meter-long and 40 cm-wide aluminum "louver." Louvers are structures used on building exteriors and ceilings, serving ventilation and light control functions.

The accident injured three people, including A and his teenage younger brother B. A, who was hit on the head by the structure, was rushed to the emergency room and underwent emergency surgery but passed away at 11:15 a.m. two days later while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. B is currently receiving treatment at the hospital for a fractured clavicle. The third person reportedly sustained bruises on the leg.

The police are conducting an on-site investigation with the National Forensic Service and plan to investigate the exact cause of the accident. A police official stated, "An investigation into professional negligence resulting in death is expected to be conducted targeting those involved at the site."

Earlier, NC Dinos, the professional baseball team that uses Changwon NC Park as their home stadium, expressed, "We sincerely wish for the speedy recovery of those injured and are doing our best to take necessary measures within the team." They added, "We will work with relevant agencies to accurately identify the cause of the accident and establish and thoroughly implement countermeasures to prevent such accidents from recurring."