Body Recovered 125 Hours After Disappearance... CEO Jeong Heemin Says "Deep Apologies"
Delayed Response Controversy and Image Damage... Direct Hit to Redevelopment Project Bids
Similar to Incheon Subway Collapse 13 Years Ago... Calls for Review of Construction Methods
Following the collapse of the underground tunnel on the Gwangmyeong Sinansan Line, the 50-year-old worker A, who had been missing, was ultimately found dead, prompting the construction company POSCO E&C to issue its first official apology. The company also expressed its commitment to establishing thorough measures to prevent recurrence.
In a statement issued late on the 16th under the name of CEO Jeong Hee-min, POSCO E&C said, "We offer our condolences to the deceased who lost their life in this accident," and "We deeply apologize to the bereaved family and the public with a heavy heart." The statement added, "Along with managing the aftermath of the accident, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and prepare measures to prevent recurrence."
A, a POSCO E&C employee who had been missing following the collapse accident at the Sinansan Line underground tunnel construction site in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th, was found dead on the night of the 16th at a depth of 21 meters underground, 125 hours after the accident occurred. POSCO E&C stated that it will not evade responsibility for this accident. The company said, "Since the accident occurred, we have prioritized support for rescue operations and are working closely with relevant authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident and to devise follow-up measures."
This apology is POSCO E&C's first official statement, coming five days after the accident and immediately after the recovery of the missing worker A's body. Until now, POSCO E&C had faced public criticism for not issuing an official apology beyond media responses. The incident has also brought renewed attention to similarities with the 2012 tunnel collapse accident during the construction of Incheon Subway Line 2, which POSCO E&C had also constructed, including the construction method and warning signs. At that time, a sudden road collapse near the construction site buried and killed a motorcyclist.
Meanwhile, POSCO E&C is expected to suffer considerable damage from this accident. There are growing concerns about additional collapses in the accident area, leading to a flood of complaints from residents, and calls for a comprehensive review of the construction methods. Furthermore, the company's image damage from the accident is likely to pose immediate challenges in securing redevelopment project contracts. POSCO E&C participated in the bid for the Yongsan Maintenance Depot Front Zone 1 redevelopment in Seoul on the 15th and is expected to compete with HDC Hyundai Development Company to secure the construction rights. This project is regarded as a 'gateway' for POSCO E&C's entry into Seoul's key areas and is a project into which the company has invested great effort.
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