President Moon Holds Emergency Meeting on 'Icheon Fire'... "Failed to Learn Lessons from Past Accidents" (Update)

Thorough Search Until the End Urged... Emphasis on Medical Support to Prevent Worsening of Injured Patients' Condition

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in expressed deep regret over the numerous casualties caused by the fire at the Icheon logistics warehouse construction site, stating that "lessons were not learned from past accidents."

On the 29th at 8:30 PM, President Moon summoned senior aides including Chief Presidential Secretary Noh Young-min and National Security Office Director Chung Eui-yong to the presidential residence to hold an emergency countermeasure meeting regarding the fire incident at the Icheon logistics warehouse construction site.

President Moon pointed out, "It is regrettable that similar accidents keep recurring." He added, "If necessary, increase the number of DNA analysts to expedite the identification of the deceased so that the bereaved families can confirm the bodies as soon as possible. Please do your utmost."

Photo by Yonhap News

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok explained, "President Moon requested a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and issued five additional directives."

President Moon emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough search until the very end to ensure no missing persons remain, given the large number of casualties. He also urged that medical support be provided with utmost effort to prevent the condition of the injured from worsening.

He requested that full support be provided so that the families of the deceased and injured do not experience discomfort at the site, and especially for foreign workers, he said that the diplomatic authorities should be consulted to promptly inform their families and actively support their visits to Korea if desired.

Spokesperson Kang conveyed, "Although various special government-wide fire safety measures were prepared and implemented after major fires in Miryang and Jecheon, another large-scale fire has occurred. Therefore, the Prime Minister was asked to meticulously check whether the government's measures have been properly applied on site and to take all necessary actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring."

Furthermore, Kang said, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor was asked to identify the causes of repeated fires at construction sites and to establish fundamental countermeasures. President Moon particularly requested that they find preemptive measures to minimize casualties in the event of a fire and apply them immediately at the site."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.