Kim Dongyeon Orders Comprehensive Inspection of Retaining Walls in All 31 Cities and Counties of Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province will conduct a comprehensive inspection to prevent the collapse of retaining walls within the province.

On July 17, Gyeonggi Province announced that Governor Kim Dongyeon had ordered an emergency comprehensive inspection to prevent the recurrence of similar or identical accidents following the retaining wall collapse that occurred in Osan on July 16.

Accordingly, by July 20, Gyeonggi Province will carry out a joint emergency inspection with city and county governments, targeting reinforced retaining walls on road embankments similar in type to the one involved in this accident.

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (second from left), is seen talking with officials at the collapsed retaining wall site in Osan on the night of the 16th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The main inspection items include: checking for abnormalities such as bulging, cracks, or subsidence in the retaining wall; identifying defects such as upper subsidence, potholes, or pavement cracks; and confirming whether any complaints have been filed through the Safety Sinmungo system.

In addition, Gyeonggi Province has decided to conduct further inspections of retaining walls installed on privately owned building sites that may be at risk of damage from heavy rain, after coordinating with relevant departments to determine the targets and methods of inspection.

Previously, on the night of July 16, Governor Kim visited the site of the retaining wall collapse at the Gajang Intersection in Gajang-dong, Osan, and instructed the First Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs and the head of the provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters to "quickly investigate and take action regarding similar retaining walls, roads, or structures within the province." He emphasized, "Heavy rain is expected until the morning after tomorrow, so let's conduct a comprehensive inspection with city and county governments as soon as possible, starting with the most urgent locations, to prevent further accidents."

A Gyeonggi Province official stated, "This emergency inspection is a measure to protect the lives and safety of residents." The official also urged, "If you notice any signs of abnormality, please actively report them through the Gyeonggi Province Safety Prevention Hotline (010-3990-7722), the civil complaint office of your city or county, or the Safety Sinmungo system."