The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has established an accident investigation committee to determine the cause of the large sinkhole (ground subsidence) incident that occurred in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul.
On the 28th, the Ministry noted that the Central Underground Accident Investigation Committee will hold an inaugural meeting near the accident site on the 31st and begin its investigative activities.
According to the Special Act on Subterranean Safety Management, the Ministry can establish the Central Underground Accident Investigation Committee to investigate the circumstances of an accident if significant damage occurs.
This accident investigation committee is composed of 12 experts from the 62 members of the 4th Central Underground Accident Investigation Committee. The Ministry has explained that it aimed to enhance the fairness of the investigation by forming the committee mainly with external experts who are unrelated to Seoul City or the construction of Subway Line 9.
The accident investigation committee will operate for about two months until May 30. They plan to analyze documents related to the accident, such as design plans, and conduct hearings with relevant parties to clarify the cause of the accident. Furthermore, based on the investigation results, they will also establish measures to prevent recurrence.