Four arrested over deadly Gwangju library collapse

A collapse at the Gwangju Representative Library construction site in December, which killed four subcontracted workers, has led to the arrest of four individuals. Site managers for both the main and subcontractor, along with the supervision manager, were detained on charges of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 12th that investigations proved the arrested parties neglected fundamental safety protocols. The Gwangju District Court issued arrest warrants for the four, citing evidence from site inspections, seized materials, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency's findings on the accident's cause.

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We have proven that the site managers for the main and subcontractor, as well as the supervision manager, failed to implement basic safety measures.

Investigators determined that the collapse stemmed from construction that deviated from structural design documents and a general disregard for basic safety measures. The Ministry stated that arrest warrants were sought due to the suspects' partial denial of charges and attempts to evade responsibility, indicating a high risk of evidence tampering and flight.

The Ministry plans to conclude its investigation of the detained individuals and transfer the case to prosecutors. It also vowed to actively use compulsory investigative measures, including searches and arrests, for future serious industrial accidents involving repeated violations of safety rules or similar incidents.

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We applied for arrest warrants due to the strong possibility of evidence destruction and flight, considering the suspects' partial denial of charges and their attitude of evading responsibility.