Construction Worker Drowns in Puddle Formed by Heavy Rain... Investigation Under Serious Accident Punishment Act

Due to the influence of the monsoon front, a heavy rain warning was issued for the Seoul metropolitan area on the 30th, and a vehicle is creating a spray of water near Jeungsan Bridge in Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] A worker died after falling into a water puddle caused by heavy rain at an apartment construction site in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

According to the police, around 1:50 p.m. on the 30th, worker A (67) fell into a water puddle formed by heavy rain at a new apartment construction site in Bojeong-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin.

The water puddle, formed in an excavation area within the construction site, was about 20 meters wide and 4 meters deep, reportedly caused by the heavy rainfall.

At the time, A was reportedly attempting to take measures because the power outlet of the pump used for draining water was at risk of being submerged, when the accident occurred.

119 rescue workers responded to a report from fellow workers that A was not visible, rescued him, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and transported him to the hospital.

The police and fire authorities are investigating the detailed circumstances of the accident.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an investigation into whether the construction company violated the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

The Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which has been in effect since January 27 this year, allows for the punishment of business owners and management officials who fail to fulfill their obligations to prevent accidents when serious industrial accidents such as worker deaths occur at workplaces of a certain scale or larger.

Yongin received heavy rainfall of 258.5 mm from midnight the previous day until 9 a.m. on the day of the accident.

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