Prime Minister Han: "Railway defects could lead to major disasters"... Orders investigation into accident causes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to investigate the cause of the accident and implement measures to prevent recurrence, stating on the 14th, "Railroads can lead to major disasters due to small negligence or defects."

On the same day, Prime Minister Han presided over the '50th Cabinet Meeting' at the Government Seoul Office and said, "There are recent safety-related cases that require special attention."

He emphasized, "Many citizens suffered from the Itaewon tragedy recently. No matter how much safety is emphasized, it is never too much."

He continued, "The recent heavy rain damage in the metropolitan area over the past weekend occurred because fallen leaves that were not cleared in autumn blocked the drainage outlets, preventing smooth drainage," urging the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to work closely with local governments to pay special attention to clearing fallen leaves.

He also said, "Please thoroughly inspect transportation systems such as highways, aviation, and shipping," adding, "We must be especially mindful that this is a period with various traffic safety risk factors, such as increased travelers during the year-end and New Year holidays, sudden heavy snow, and cold waves."

Regarding industrial sites, Prime Minister Han said, "Outdoor work sites in winter are exposed to more risk factors," and instructed the Ministry of Employment and Labor to conduct inspections.

On the COVID-19 resurgence, he stated, "Rapid response is necessary to stabilize the spread early," and urged, "The quarantine authorities should fully utilize the quarantine and medical response capabilities prepared so far to stabilize this resurgence early and do their best to help those infected recover quickly."

Prime Minister Han said the government is making every effort to prepare for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scheduled for the 17th, encouraging, "Students, please feel at ease and fully demonstrate the skills you have developed so far." He also emphasized the importance of students who have finished the CSAT spending the remaining school days well, instructing, "Relevant ministries should provide necessary support to ensure substantial educational activities."

He also urged all public officials to maintain steady work during President Yoon Suk-yeol’s Cambodia and Indonesia tour from the 11th to the 16th, asking for greater efforts to foster a stable public service atmosphere.

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