Investigation committee launched into Seoul overpass collapse

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has established an investigation committee to uncover the cause of the Seosomun overpass collapse in Seoul. The committee, comprising 12 external experts from academia and industry, will be led by Professor Park Chul-woo of Kangwon University, a specialist in civil and structural engineering.

The committee is set to operate for an initial period of four months, with provisions for extending the duration if necessary. Its primary objective is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse and to formulate measures to prevent recurrence. The investigation will scrutinize various aspects of the demolition process and safety protocols.

Key areas of examination will include the appropriateness of the safety management plans and their execution, the structural review of the demolition work, including girder cutting plans, and whether the facility's aging was adequately assessed beforehand. The committee will also assess the safety measures implemented during construction, such as girder anti-toppling facilities and safety nets, and verify the fulfillment of duties by the client, contractor, and supervisor.

Beyond determining the cause, the investigation committee will also develop recommendations for strengthening safety management in demolition and dismantling projects. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future, ensuring greater safety in infrastructure projects across the country.

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The committee will examine the appropriateness of the establishment and implementation of safety management plans, including demolition plans, the appropriateness of structural review of demolition work, such as girder cutting plans, and whether pre-investigation of facility aging was conducted.