Yongsan District Launches Mobile "Disaster Site Command Bus" for the First Time

Specially Modified 25-Seater Mid-Sized Bus
Real-Time On-Site Command and Control

Yongsan District in Seoul announced on January 14 that it has introduced a 'Disaster Site Command Bus' for the first time this year and officially launched its operation with an inauguration ceremony held on January 13. This initiative was established to enable swift on-site decision-making and systematic response from the early stages of a disaster, as disaster types become increasingly diverse and complex.

Heeyoung Park, Mayor of Yongsan District (right), is inspecting the disaster site command bus. Provided by Yongsan District.

The Disaster Site Command Bus is a mobile disaster command vehicle, created by specially modifying a 25-seater mid-sized van. In the event of a disaster, it is immediately dispatched to the site to serve as a mobile integrated support center, performing command, control, and situation management functions. Considering the characteristics of densely populated urban areas, a mid-sized bus with excellent mobility and accessibility was selected.

The front section of the bus consists of the driver’s seat, passenger seat, and a station for operating communication and audio equipment. The middle section is designed as a meeting room for on-site command, connected to the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the sixth floor of the district office, allowing for immediate situation monitoring and sharing via on-site closed-circuit (CC) TV, as well as video conferences with related agencies. The rear section is equipped to store operational supplies for running the integrated support center at disaster sites. On the exterior roof, three CCTV cameras, speakers, and an electronic display board have been installed.

Five staff members from the district office obtained large vehicle driver's licenses in December last year in order to drive the bus themselves. The Disaster Site Command Bus will be used not only for actual disaster response, but also for joint disaster response drills, crowd management at large gatherings, safety patrols in disaster-prone areas, and safety promotion and education activities.

Heeyoung Park, Mayor of Yongsan District, stated, "The Disaster Site Command Bus is not just a vehicle, but a mobile command center that directly leads the site during disasters," adding, "We will continue to do our utmost to protect the lives and safety of our residents through practical training and systematic operation."