Court: Inje County partly liable for fatal rafting accident due to safety lapses

A South Korean court has determined that Inje County bears responsibility for a fatal rafting accident on the Naerincheon River, citing negligent safety management by the local government. The ruling acknowledges that municipalities overseeing rivers used for recreational activities have a duty to ensure user safety.

The accident occurred on July 28, 2024, when a rafting boat capsized in a rapid section of the Naerincheon River, sweeping away a participant identified as Mr. A. Although rescued and transported to a hospital, Mr. A later died. His family subsequently filed a lawsuit against Inje County, seeking approximately 40 million won in damages, alleging the county failed to fulfill its safety obligations, including deploying rescue personnel and providing necessary equipment.

In its ruling on August 23, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 90 acknowledged Inje County's liability. Presiding Judge Kim Yoo-sung stated that the river, particularly after the monsoon season, poses a high risk due to strong currents and increased water volume. The court emphasized that Inje County should have exercised a higher degree of caution than typically required for ordinary rivers to prevent loss of life or injury.

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This river has a high risk of accidents during the summer after the monsoon season due to rapid currents and increased water volume. Therefore, Inje County had a duty to exercise a higher degree of caution than for ordinary rivers to prevent risks to the lives and bodies of river users.

The judge further elaborated that the county should have taken steps such as equipping high-risk areas with minimal safety gear, like life-saving buoys, especially after the rainy season. Additionally, the court found that Inje County should have improved road accessibility to the river for rescue operations by constructing access roads or rescue routes.

Despite finding the county partially liable and ordering it to pay 21.5 million won in damages, the court ultimately dismissed the lawsuit. This decision was based on the fact that the plaintiffs had already received over 103 million won in compensation from the rafting company's insurer, an amount that exceeded the county's determined liability. Therefore, the county's responsibility was considered extinguished.

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Inje County should have made efforts to install minimal safety equipment, such as life-saving buoys, in sections prone to rapid currents after the monsoon season, and to improve accessibility to the river for rescue activities by additionally installing access roads or rescue routes.