Evidence of 'Pressure' on Staff During Document Manipulation Process at Disaster Central Control Unit

Fire Agency Executive Mentions "Personnel Disadvantage"
Special Investigation Unit Reviews Application of False Official Document Inducement Charges

The signboard of the Itaewon Accident Special Investigation Headquarters (Special Investigation Headquarters), which is investigating the inadequate response to the 'Itaewon Disaster,' is hung at the entrance of the Mapo Police Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On the 14th, it was reported that the Police Agency's Special Investigation Headquarters (Special Investigation HQ), which is investigating the Itaewon disaster, has detected circumstances where an official pressured a staff member within the Fire Agency to falsely prepare documents related to the Central Emergency Rescue Control Team (Central Control Team) at the time of the accident.

According to a comprehensive report from our coverage, the Special Investigation HQ is focusing its investigative efforts on the possibility that the Fire Agency documents related to the Central Control Team at the time of the disaster were fabricated. The documents were falsely prepared to suggest that the Central Control Team was operational immediately after the accident, even though it was not properly organized.

The Central Control Team is a temporary organization established by the fire authorities for emergency rescue during disaster situations. It is responsible for overseeing, directing, coordinating, and controlling emergency medical resources, including mobilizing personnel from nearby cities and provinces.

The Special Investigation HQ conducted a search and seizure of the Fire Agency on the 25th of last month in connection with this suspicion. Based on the materials secured thereafter, they have summoned numerous affiliated employees as witnesses to verify whether the Central Control Team's activities were conducted according to regulations from the day of the disaster and whether the activity records were accurately documented and reported.

During witness investigations, the Special Investigation HQ reportedly detected circumstances where the staff member who prepared the documents was coerced by a certain executive to write reports containing information that differed from the actual operation, including the activation time of the Central Control Team. The executive is also said to have pressured the staff member by implying that personnel disadvantages, including transfer, could be imposed if they did not comply with the document preparation.

The Special Investigation HQ is reportedly considering registering the executive as a suspect on charges of instructing the preparation of false official documents. A Special Investigation HQ official stated, "While the investigation is ongoing, it is difficult to confirm detailed information."

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