Yonhap News TV Reveals May 27 Broadcast Content on Overpass Collapse

The causes and preventive measures for the Seosomun Overpass collapse accident were revealed on Yonhap News TV. In the May 27 broadcast, Lee Song-gyu, president of the Korea Safety Experts Association, appeared to point out the inadequate response to pre-accident anomalies and the appropriateness of the demolition plan, emphasizing the necessity of adopting advanced safety management systems. The broadcast aired from 1:40 PM to 2:10 PM, hosted by anchors Kim Victoriano and Jo Haerin.

Lee Song-gyu identified the insufficient response to pre-accident anomalies and the appropriateness of the demolition plan as the core issues in the Seosomun Overpass collapse. He stressed the importance of initial inspection for determining the cause of the accident, explaining that for aged structures, accurate condition assessment becomes difficult over time, making inspections within 24 hours of an accident crucial. A 2.9cm difference in height observed hours before the collapse could be seen as the beginning of the collapse, and more proactive safety measures were needed from the point structural deformation was detected.

Lee noted that the demolition plan was prepared based on the pre-collapse condition, thus requiring a new demolition plan reflecting the current state and safety measures considering the possibility of further collapse after the event. He pointed out that the work method and load management were more critical than the cutting method used during demolition. Even with the same method, risks could have been reduced by considering the forces applied to the structure and working sequentially. Following the detection of the height difference, methods to secure the upper structure using cranes and wires to support the structure could have been considered, and an investigation into the active participation of safety managers in the site safety management system is necessary.

Lee viewed this accident not as mere negligence but as a problem of 'safety ignorance' due to a failure to properly recognize the risks or accurately assess the possibility of collapse, highlighting the need for enhanced safety capabilities. The prosecution's formation of a dedicated investigation team was a measure to alleviate public anxiety and swiftly determine the cause, and the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act will also be closely reviewed. The broadcast emphasized the need to expand site safety management to digital technology and AI-based safety management systems, citing that the government and relevant agencies should lead the adoption of these technologies.