Cheongdo Train Accident Victims Carrying Out Additional Tasks Beyond Contract
It has been revealed that six workers from a subcontracted company who suffered injuries in the Mugunghwa train accident in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, were involved in uncontracted tasks that they were suddenly required to perform at the time of the accident.
On the 20th, according to Korail, the safety inspection company to which the injured workers belonged had signed a contract with Korail in May to conduct inspections of bridges and tunnels around the Gyeongbu Line and had been carrying out related tasks.
However, it is reported that due to recent heavy rain damage, Korail instructed this company 2 to 3 weeks prior to conduct slope inspections around the railroad, which were not included in the original contract.
Consequently, the company hastily recruited on-site safety management personnel and called in employees who had been performing tunnel and bridge inspections from other regions to be deployed at the site.
Investigation into Railway Safety Accidents Intensifies
On the same day, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Committee conducted a joint investigation at the accident site in collaboration with the Daegu District Prosecutor's Office, Gyeongsangbuk-do Police Agency, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Safety Management Corporation.
The joint investigation team focused on compliance with safety manuals, the surrounding environment of the accident site, and the possibility that the train operator failed to notice the workers in the curve area with dense bushes.
Additionally, it has been reported that they also confirmed the emergency braking and horn use of the accident train, as well as the situation of the workers present at the site at that time.
The investigation team plans to analyze the black box attached to the accident train and secure CCTV footage from the vicinity to clarify the situation just before the accident.
After the joint investigation, Ahn Jung-man, head of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Police Department's dedicated investigation team, stated in an interview, "There were many curved sections, making it difficult to visually identify," but explained, "While the accident track space was not spacious, if they had anticipated the train's approach, there would have been sufficient room for the victims to evacuate."
He also noted, "Of the seven victims who were working, four were confirmed to have train approach warning apps, and we predict they were activated," adding that "we are analyzing the black box from the accident train and will investigate the train operator involved in the accident."
The Ministry of Labor plans to conduct a strict investigation into the violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, as well as carry out special labor supervision.
Korail is also checking compliance with regulations based on the work agreement, work plan, train operation agreement, and CCTV footage, while conducting its own investigation into whether the accident train operator was speeding.
Image Source: An accident occurred at around 10:52 a.m. on the 19th, near the Cheongdo bullfighting arena in Samshin-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, where a Mugunghwa train heading to Masan hit seven workers who were working on the tracks. Police, firefighters, and officials from Korail are investigating the accident site. 2025.8.19 / News1, Reference photo for understanding the article / Photo: Insight, Photo: Insight
