Construction Firm in Overpass Collapse Had 47 Accidents in 5 Years

Heung Hwa, the construction company involved in the demolition of the Seosomun overpass where a collapse killed or injured six people, has a concerning safety record. Official data reveals that 47 industrial accident victims were recorded at Heung Hwa's construction sites over the last five years.

From 2022 to the first quarter of 2026, a total of 47 workers suffered industrial accidents, with 27 injuries and 20 occupational illnesses. The number of accidents has trended upwards, with 6 in 2022, 10 in 2023, 20 in 2024, and 5 in the first three months of 2026.

During inspections of 41 Heung Hwa sites between 2022 and May 2026, the Ministry of Employment and Labor issued fines to 10 sites and mandated corrective actions for 13 others. Common violations included inadequate safety railings, improper protection for openings, failure to conduct workplace environment measurements, and lack of safety data sheet postings and training.

In response to the recent fatal collapse, police have charged four Heung Hwa safety managers with professional negligence resulting in death or injury. The Ministry of Employment and Labor is also investigating two co-CEOs and three safety managers for violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, examining their compliance with safety obligations.