Restaurant Explosion Caused by Faulty Pipe Sealing; Construction Firm Under Investigation for Charges

The cause of an explosion at a restaurant in Cheongju last month has been determined to be the failure to implement basic safety measures, such as capping off the ends of pipes to prevent gas leaks. Police forensic investigation revealed that gas leaked from an empty pipe not connected to cooking equipment, which was the direct cause.

The incident injured 17 residents and displaced about 80 others. Gas leakage is presumed to have begun three days before the pipe work was completed. Police believe that the leaked gas accumulated in the unventilated space after business hours, leading to the explosion overnight.

A report of a 'gas smell' was received the day before the accident, prompting the construction company to conduct an on-site inspection. However, the inspection was found to be superficial, reportedly using only a foaming agent similar to soapy water. The owner of the restaurant involved stated that an employee of the company removed the gas leak detector, claiming it was dusty and old, and left after determining there were no issues based on gas tests.

Based on the forensic findings, police plan to investigate whether the construction company omitted pipe capping measures and conducted a faulty inspection. They will then decide whether to charge the company with offenses such as the rupture of explosive objects and causing injury through negligence.