Police Form Dedicated Investigation Team for Osong Underpass Disaster...Determining Responsibility

The police will begin an investigation to determine the responsibility for road and embankment management related to the flooding disaster at Gungpyeong 2 Underpass in Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, where 13 people died.

According to the police on the 17th, the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency plans to form a dedicated investigation team once the search for missing persons in this disaster, which has confirmed 13 deaths so far, is completed. Depending on the investigation progress, there is also a possibility of expanding the team into a full investigation headquarters.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The police will first investigate why traffic control was not implemented at Gungpyeong 2 Underpass, located 300 to 400 meters away, despite the flood warning for the Miho River, as well as the reporting system. The Geumgang Flood Control Office, which issued the flood warning, along with the provincial government office, city hall, and district office, are expected to be subjects of the investigation.

They also plan to investigate suspicions that inadequate embankment management of the Miho River was the cause of the disaster. If specific evidence is found that related public officials neglected road and embankment management, they may be charged with professional negligence resulting in death or injury.

Additionally, to clearly determine responsibility, the police plan to conduct an on-site inspection with the National Forensic Service once the search for missing persons and drainage work are completed.

During the flooding of an underground parking lot in Pohang caused by Typhoon Hinnamnor last year, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency formed a dedicated investigation team of 68 members led by a senior superintendent-level officer to conduct the investigation.

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