Large 15-Meter Signboard Falls in Uijeongbu Due to Strong Winds, Killing Pedestrian in His 20s

Instantaneous Wind Gusts of 9 m/s
15-Meter-Wide Signboard Collapses
Victim Handed Over to Police After Rescue

In Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province, a man in his 20s was killed after being struck by a large signboard that fell due to strong winds while he was walking down the street.

On the afternoon of the 10th, in Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province, a large signboard that fell due to strong winds struck a pedestrian, resulting in one fatality. Provided by Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters

At approximately 2:21 p.m. on January 10, in Howon-dong, Uijeongbu, a man in his 20s, identified as Mr. A, was fatally crushed by a signboard measuring about 15 meters wide and 2 meters tall that fell from a building.

According to fire authorities, three reports were received at around 2:21 p.m. that a large signboard installed on a hair salon in Howon-dong, Uijeongbu, had collapsed.

Fifteen firefighters and five pieces of equipment, including the Uijeongbu rescue team, were dispatched following the reports and completed the rescue operation within eight minutes, at 2:34 p.m. However, when Mr. A was found, he was in cardiac arrest with brain tissue extrusion, and after on-site medical guidance, he was handed over to the police.

It has been confirmed that Mr. A had no connection to the building or the store and was simply walking down the street when the accident occurred.

At the time of the accident, the Uijeongbu area was experiencing strong winds, with an instantaneous maximum wind speed of about 9 meters per second.

The police and fire authorities believe that the signboard, which was aged and deteriorated, collapsed because its fastenings could not withstand the load due to the strong winds. They are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident and whether there was any negligence in the installation or maintenance of the signboard.

Nearby residents described the tense scene, saying, "There was a sudden loud bang, and the large signboard fell."

A fire department official urged, "During periods of strong winter winds, there is a high risk of signboards or attachments on building exteriors falling, so facility managers must conduct thorough safety inspections."