'Built According to Design?' Second On-Site Inspection of Gwangju Collapse Accident

Comparison with structural drawings such as rebar thickness and spacing... Accelerating scientific cause investigation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The on-site investigation to determine the cause of the accident at Hwajeong I-Park in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City is ongoing for the second day.

On the 10th, according to the Gwangju Seo-gu New Apartment Collapse Accident Investigation Headquarters (Gwangju Police Agency), a joint second on-site investigation is being conducted with the National Forensic Service, Ministry of Employment and Labor, National Disaster Research Institute, and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency.

They are reviewing whether the design, such as rebar thickness and spacing, matches the blueprints, while also using 3D scanners to examine the progression and factors of the collapse.

Investigations and analyses are also underway to determine whether the unauthorized installation of the retaining wall (vertical wall) on the PIT floor (the floor where various pipes pass) and other upper floors directly influenced the collapse. Additionally, the removal of the 'dongbari' (temporary supports) under the slab is considered a major cause of the collapse.

The investigation headquarters plans to conduct several more on-site investigations if necessary.

A representative from the investigation headquarters stated, "Scientific determination of the cause is crucial for punishing those responsible for negligence," adding, "With the search for missing persons completed, full on-site verification is now possible, and the investigation to identify the cause of the collapse and those responsible will accelerate."

Eleven people, including the site manager from Hyundai Development Company, have been booked in connection with this case. The main charges include professional negligence resulting in death or injury and violations of the Building Act.

So far, investigations have been completed for 60 suspects and witnesses, and based on the seized materials and joint investigation results, they plan to begin processing suspects from the end of this month.

The 67 concrete samples collected from the 23rd to 38th floors of the collapsed building the previous day will be used to verify the curing process and material defects of the concrete. The curing process refers to maintaining adequate moisture until the concrete fully hardens and protecting it from shocks or freezing.

Meanwhile, the accident occurred around 3:46 p.m. on the 11th when the exterior walls of the 23rd to 38th floors of Building 201 at the apartment construction site collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six workers who were performing window installation work on the 28th to 34th floors.

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