Kim Dong-yeon Orders Emergency Comprehensive Inspection to Prevent Retaining Wall Collapse

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gab-dong] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon ordered an emergency comprehensive inspection on the 16th to prevent recurrence of similar accidents in relation to the retaining wall collapse that occurred in Osan City.

Accordingly, the province will conduct a joint emergency comprehensive inspection with cities and counties by the 20th on reinforced soil retaining walls on road embankments of a similar type to this accident.

The inspection will focus on checking △abnormalities such as bulging, cracks, and subsidence of the retaining wall △defects such as upper subsidence, potholes, and pavement cracks △whether civil complaints have been filed through the safety reporting system.

To expedite the inspection, the province will confirm results daily starting from the 16th, and the overall inspection scope is being compiled by each city and county. When abnormal signs are discovered, emergency measures such as repairs and reinforcement will be implemented to prevent additional damage.

Additionally, retaining walls installed on privately-owned building sites with potential risk of damage from heavy rain will be inspected through coordination with relevant departments to determine inspection targets and methods, and additional inspections will be promoted.

Earlier, Governor Kim visited the site of the retaining wall collapse at Gasang Interchange in Gasang-dong, Osan City on the evening of the 16th, and instructed the Vice Minister of Administration and the head of the Fire and Disaster Management Headquarters to “quickly investigate whether there are similar retaining walls, roads, or structures within the province and take measures,” adding “It is expected to rain heavily until the morning of the 18th, so let's quickly conduct a comprehensive survey starting with urgent areas with cities and counties tomorrow to prevent accidents.”

A province official stated, “This emergency inspection is a measure to protect the lives and safety of provincial residents,” and requested, “If provincial residents discover any abnormal signs, please actively report them through the Gyeonggi Province safety prevention hotline (010-3990-7722), the relevant city/county civil affairs offices, the safety reporting system, and other channels to join efforts in preventing disaster damage.”