Police Close Internal Investigation into Wheelchair Fall Death at Yangcheon Hyanggyo Station

"Cannot Hold Station Operator Responsible"
"Wheelchair Barrier Installation Is a Recommendation"

Seoul Gangseo Police Station

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The police have concluded that the subway operator cannot be held responsible for the death of a disabled person in a wheelchair who fell while using an escalator at a subway platform.

The Gangseo Police Station in Seoul announced on the 5th that they have decided to close the investigation into the death of Mr. A, a man in his late 50s, without filing charges.

According to the police, on April 7th at around 12:50 PM, Mr. A fell while riding an escalator in his electric wheelchair at Yangcheon Hyanggyo Station on Subway Line 9. He was transported to a hospital but ultimately passed away.

The police investigation found no particular evidence of wrongdoing by the operator, Seoul Metro Line 9 (Metro Nine).

A police official stated, "Installing barriers at the escalator entrance to prevent wheelchair access is a recommendation, not a mandatory regulation, so the subway operator cannot be held responsible for the accident."

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