Police Secure Concrete Evidence at Gwangju Collapse Accident Site

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] In relation to the collapse accident at Hwajeong I-Park in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, the police, in cooperation with related agencies, have secured evidence at the site and begun analysis.

The Investigation Headquarters for the collapse accident at the newly constructed apartment in Seo-gu, Gwangju (Gwangju Police Agency) executed a search warrant at the collapse accident site on the afternoon of the 18th, jointly with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Construction Accident Investigation Committee and others.

The investigation headquarters seized debris fallen to the ground and broken concrete from the collapse and is focusing on identifying material quality and curing defects.

A search warrant was also executed at the construction site of Complex 1 next to Complex 2 where the collapse occurred, and it is presumed that concrete samples and other evidence are being secured at other sites as well.

This is interpreted as a measure to secure samples from other sites where concrete was poured on the same day, as access to the 39th floor site where the collapse began remains difficult due to concerns about further collapse.

To confirm poor curing and other defects, evidence must be secured and analyzed before the concrete hardens further over time; however, due to the search situation and safety reasons, direct access is impossible, so evidence that can be secured first is being collected.

An official from the investigation headquarters explained, "It is difficult to secure evidence directly at the accident site due to limited access, but we will secure as much evidence as possible to determine whether there was poor construction," adding, "We plan to utilize various analysis methods in consultation with related agencies."

Meanwhile, the police have booked 10 people, including the site manager from Hyundai Construction, on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and violation of the Building Management Act, and are conducting investigations. They have already searched the site office, supervision office, subcontractors, and concrete suppliers, and are analyzing the secured evidence.

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