Residents affected by the Kumho Tire fire in Gwangju have once again raised their voices. The victims strongly criticized Kumho Tire, calling the compensation plan "absurd" and the dismantling work "reckless and unplanned."
On August 18, dismantling work is underway on the smelting building that caught fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News
The emergency countermeasure committee held a press conference in front of the Kumho Tire factory in Gwangsan-gu on the 27th, stating, "Since the large fire in May, we have been suffering from black dust accumulating throughout our homes, as well as respiratory difficulties and skin diseases. However, the compensation plan offered by Kumho Tire only covers actual hospital expenses and a mere 50,000 won."
They continued, "The dismantling work directly threatens the daily lives and safety of residents. The dust control measures are inadequate, and the dust continues to spread without end. Although residents have sent four official documents, the company has not provided a proper response even once."
The residents are demanding that Kumho Tire: ▲establish measures to minimize damage from dust, noise, and hazardous substances; ▲propose a reasonable compensation plan through a third-party consultative body; ▲fully disclose the dismantling process; and ▲immediately conduct a health impact assessment and establish long-term countermeasures.
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