(Seoul=News1) Reporter Yoo Seung-gwan: On the 23rd, Jo Wan-seok, CEO of Kumho Construction, attended a hearing at the 429th National Assembly (Regular Session) of the Administrative Safety Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. The hearing was conducted for an investigation into the Osong underpass disaster and the preparation of measures to prevent recurrence. Jo responded to questions from lawmakers during this session.
Kumho Construction has halted all construction at sites similar to the Dongbuk Line construction site, where a fatal worker accident occurred. This decision was made to investigate the cause of the accident and to thoroughly examine the safety management system.
On the 29th, Kumho Construction issued an official apology regarding the death of a worker in his 60s due to a fall accident at the Dongbuk Line construction site in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. The company stated, “Above all, we extend our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to the bereaved family who lost a beloved family member due to the sudden accident,” on behalf of the CEO and all employees of Kumho Construction.
Following the accident, Kumho Construction immediately ceased all operations at the site in question, and stopped all similar construction processes nationwide. The company stated, “We have initiated a thorough investigation and inspection regarding the cause of the accident” and promised to “actively cooperate with investigations by relevant authorities and take necessary actions to prevent recurrence.” Additionally, they committed to “providing company-level support to alleviate the bereaved family’s suffering and maintaining continuous communication.”
The company also pledged to use this accident as an opportunity to reassess their safety management system, strengthen preventive safety management on site, and emphasized, “All employees will once again deeply recognize the importance of safety and make utmost efforts to ensure on-site safety.”
Meanwhile, at around 10:41 AM on the same day, a rockfall accident occurred at the Dongbuk Line urban railway construction site in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. A man in his 60s who was working on-site was hit by falling debris and was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The Dongbuk Line light rail is a 13.4 km urban railway connecting Wangsimni Station in Seongdong-gu and Sanggye Station in Nowon-gu, scheduled to open in 2027.