Samhwan Construction Apologizes for Fatal Accident at Jamsil Bridge Construction Site: "Doing Our Best for Response and Cause Investigation"

Apology Posted on Website Under Acting CEO Jeong Hwan-oh's Name
"Deepest Condolences to the Deceased and Sincere Sympathy to the Bereaved Family"
Fatal Accident Occurred Around 3 p.m. the Previous Day Due to Mobile Crane Overturning
Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office Deploys Major Accident Investigation Division and Issues Immediate Suspension of Work Order

Samhwan Construction, an affiliate of SM Group, has issued an official apology regarding a fatal accident that occurred at a construction site near Jamsil Bridge in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

On December 19, Samhwan Construction posted an apology on its website under the name of Jeong Hwan-oh, Acting CEO, stating, "A worker lost their life in an accident involving the overturning of a work crane at the Jamsil Bridge South IC Connection System Improvement Project site." The statement continued, "We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased and sincerely extend our sympathies to the bereaved family."

The company added, "We immediately called emergency services (119) and took rescue measures, but unfortunately, the worker passed away." It further stated, "The police and relevant authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident, and we will fully cooperate with the investigation to determine the cause."

Samhwan Construction also said, "To prevent such accidents from recurring, we will conduct comprehensive safety inspections at all construction sites," and added, "We once again deeply apologize for this incident."

The accident occurred at approximately 3:19 p.m. on December 18 at the 'Jamsil Bridge South IC Connection System Improvement Project' site in Songpa-gu, Seoul. During operations, a mobile crane toppled over, trapping a subcontractor worker, Mr. A (66), between the crane and materials stored on-site, resulting in his death at the scene. It was determined that Mr. A was moving near the crane at the time of the accident. Emergency services (119) were called immediately after the incident, but Mr. A ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor dispatched personnel from the Major Accident Investigation Division to the site immediately after the accident and issued an immediate suspension of work order. As the project exceeds 5 billion won in construction costs, it falls under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Authorities are investigating potential equipment defects with the crane, ground conditions, and compliance with safety regulations at the time of the accident to determine if there were any violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act or the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. The police are also working to ascertain the exact circumstances of the accident through interviews with those involved at the site.