Employment Ministry and Police Conduct Search and Seizure at KORAIL Over 'Cheongdo Train Accident'

KORAIL Headquarters, Daegu Regional Office, and Subcontractor Headquarters Targeted

Last month, while inspecting a cut slope on the Gyeongbu Line railway in Cheongdo County, Gyeongbuk, seven workers were struck by a passing train, resulting in two deaths and five injuries. On September 1, the government is conducting a search and seizure operation at Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL).

KORAIL track access gate near the train accident site in Cheongdo County, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

The Daegu Regional Employment and Labor Office and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency announced that they have deployed 65 labor inspectors and police officers on September 1 to carry out search and seizure operations at KORAIL headquarters, the Daegu regional office, and the headquarters of subcontractors.

The Daegu Regional Employment and Labor Office and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Police Agency plan to secure relevant documents such as railway access permits and pre-operation plans, as well as PCs and mobile phones of those involved. They will closely examine whether sufficient safety measures were implemented to prevent the risk of collision with operating trains.

The Daegu Regional Employment and Labor Office stated, "Based on the evidence obtained through this search and seizure, we will thoroughly determine the cause of the accident," adding, "We intend to conduct a strict and prompt investigation into possible violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act."

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