Special Investigation Unit sends four Yongsan Police Station officials, including Lee Im-jae, to prosecution

Former Chief Accused of Negligent Homicide and Injury, and Falsifying Official Documents

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[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The Special Investigation Headquarters (SIH) investigating the Itaewon disaster has referred four individuals, including former Yongsan Police Station Chief Lee Im-jae, to the prosecution.

On the 30th, the SIH announced that it had sent former Chief Lee, former Yongsan Police Station 112 Situation Room Chief Song Byung-ju, Yongsan Police Station 112 Situation Team Leader A, and Police Officer B from Yongsan Police Station?a total of four people?to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office. Former Chief Lee and former Chief Song were sent in custody, while Team Leader A and Officer B were sent without detention.

Former Chief Lee, who is accused of professional negligence resulting in death and injury, as well as falsification and use of false official documents, is reported to have arrived late at the scene on the day of the disaster and failed to take appropriate measures. Additionally, he was investigated for submitting a report without correcting the incorrectly recorded time of his arrival at the scene. However, the SIH announced that the charge of dereliction of duty against former Chief Lee has been dropped.

Former Chief Song and Team Leader A were referred to the prosecution on charges of professional negligence resulting in death and injury. Former Chief Song is accused of failing to take appropriate measures, such as moving the crowd on the road to the sidewalk despite warnings of the risk of crushing just before the disaster, thereby increasing casualties. Officer B was referred to the prosecution on charges of falsification and use of false official documents.

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