Gyeongbuk Province and Pohang City Joint Response Team Mobilizes for Swift Restoration... City Gas Leak in Yugang-ri, Pohang

Joint Response Team Takes Immediate Action and Safety Measures On-Site
Full Efforts for Swift Restoration
Bypass Pipeline Installation by September 9
Low Explosion Risk, Enhanced Support to Alleviate Residents' Concerns

On August 31, authorities immediately responded after a city gas leak was reported in the Yugang-ri area of Yeonil-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang City.

Relevant agencies, including Gyeongbuk Province, Pohang City, Korea Gas Safety Corporation, Korea Gas Corporation, and the city gas company, held an emergency response meeting after confirming the situation on site and implemented preemptive safety measures such as road closures.

Subsequently, a joint response team from Gyeongbuk Province, Pohang City, and related organizations set up an on-site situation room and has been continuously managing the situation.

Currently, restoration work on the city gas facilities is being carried out swiftly, and the installation of a bypass pipeline is scheduled to be completed by September 9 to minimize inconvenience to citizens. Full restoration is planned to be finished as soon as possible thereafter.

However, the schedule may be adjusted depending on on-site conditions or weather during the restoration process.

The joint response team stated that safety is the top priority and that all procedures are being thoroughly managed. They also explained that only a small amount of gas, less than 0.5%, is leaking at the site, which is well below the explosive concentration range (5-15%), so the risk of explosion is low.

Nevertheless, support will be provided to residents who require temporary accommodation to alleviate their concerns.

In addition, the team explained that while natural gas is originally colorless and odorless, an odorant is added to detect leaks, so any smell detected in nearby areas is harmless to humans.

The joint response team emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens is their top priority. They pledged to strengthen safety management during the restoration process and to do their utmost for a swift recovery. They also urged citizens to refrain from using open flames or ignition sources outdoors.

Gas Leak Accident in Yugang-ri, Nam-gu, Pohang City, Full Response Efforts Underway. Photo by Pohang City

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