Minister Kim Young-hoon, who swiftly arrived at the train accident site, issued strong instructions for an urgent response to the "regressive accident."
A tragic incident occurred on the Gyeongbu Line in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, where seven workers were hit by a train while working on the tracks, leading to an outpouring of condolences.
The accident, which took place around 10:50 AM on the 19th, resulted in the deaths of two subcontract workers, while one employee from the main contractor and four subcontract employees sustained injuries.
Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Employment and Labor who previously served as a train operator, urgently instructed a thorough investigation and supervision regarding the accident.
According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Minister Kim visited the accident site directly to assess the situation.
Minister Kim expressed strong regret, stating, "This is yet another regressive accident that should not have occurred."
He warned, "If any violations of industrial safety obligations are uncovered, I will hold those responsible accountable," revealing his strong commitment to railway safety management.
Swift Response and Commencement of Investigation
Following Minister Kim's directives, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has established the Central Industrial Accident Response Headquarters and Regional Industrial Accident Response Headquarters in collaboration with the Daegu Regional Employment and Labor Office to thoroughly identify the cause of the accident.
Additionally, an investigation team consisting of 15 members has been formed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into potential violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act.
Labor inspectors from the Daegu Regional Employment and Labor Office immediately arrived at the scene following the accident and issued an order to cease work around the tracks.
Image Source: Minister Kim Young-hoon answered questions from reporters after a briefing on the accident status at the situation room set up near the site of the Mugunghwa train accident in Samshin-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on the afternoon of the 19th. 2025.8.20 / News1. Around 10:52 AM on the 19th, an accident occurred on the Gyeongbu Line near the Cheongdo Bullfighting Arena in Samshin-ri, Hwayang-eup, when the Mugunghwa train heading to Masan struck seven workers who were working on the tracks. Authorities, including police, fire departments, and Korea Rail, are investigating the accident scene. 2025.8.19 / News1. Minister Kim Young-hoon engaged in discussions related to the accident with representatives from the National Railway Labor Union at the situation room set up near the site of the Mugunghwa train accident in Samshin-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, on the afternoon of the 19th. 2025.8.20 / News1.
