Train Accident in Cheongdo: CCTV Footage Released Capturing Workers Walking on the Tracks
Amid a train accident in Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk, which resulted in seven casualties, CCTV footage taken shortly before the incident shows workers walking in a line on the tracks, adding to the tragedy.
On the 20th, SBS reported footage from a CCTV camera near the site of the train accident that occurred the previous day in Cheongdo. According to the report, the footage captured a total of seven workers, including one Korail employee and six subcontractor employees, walking in a line along the tracks.
Five minutes after this footage was recorded, a Mugunghwa train passed by and collided with the workers, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries.
The CCTV footage also confirmed that around 11:03 AM, an ambulance arrived at the scene and rescue personnel were seen busily moving near the tracks to handle the aftermath of the accident.
Joint Investigation Findings: Lack of Safe Space and Curved Section Confirmation
On the 20th, a day after the accident, relevant agencies such as the prosecution, police, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation conducted a joint investigation at the accident site.
Authorities initially confirmed that the point of the accident was situated on a severe curved section where it was difficult for workers to see approaching trains. Additionally, it was assessed that there was insufficient safe space for the workers to take cover near the tracks at the time of the accident.
The joint investigation team measured the width of the tracks and the train body to determine whether the structure allowed for avoiding a collision. The results showed that the track width at the accident scene was 155 cm, while the train body width was confirmed to be 280 cm.
In an interview with SBS, Ahn Joong-man, head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Gyeongbuk Police Agency, stated, "In reality, (the train) extends out more." He added, "This probably led to the impact that caused the accident."
Following the incident, Korail has suspended all near-track external work until further notice due to the repercussions of the accident.
Meanwhile, around 10:52-54 AM on the 19th, a Mugunghwa train (No. 1903) heading from Dongdaegu Station towards Jinju, Gyeongnam, struck seven workers who were moving near the tracks for work near the Cheongdo Ssiraseong Arena in Samshin-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun. As a result of the accident, two people died, and five sustained serious injuries.
Among the seven affected workers, one was an employee of Korail, while the remaining six (two deceased and four injured) were identified as belonging to a subcontractor specializing in structural safety inspections.
Notably, one of the deceased and one injured subcontractor employee had been reassigned to the job on that day and faced the accident.
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