Injuries to Marathon Participants Due to Poor Golf Course Safety Management, Operators Sent to Prosecutors
Last year, a participant in a marathon suffered injuries after being struck by a golf ball at a golf course that operated without safety nets, leading to the golf course operators being referred to prosecutors.
On the 10th, the Incheon Yeonsu Police Station announced that they had sent A, a 50-year-old general manager of a certain golf course in Songdo International City, and B, a 30-year-old safety manager, to prosecutors on charges of negligent injury.
They are accused of being negligent in safety management at the golf course located in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, leading to injuries to marathon participant C (30) around 9:05 AM on October 6 last year.
At that time, C was running the 10km marathon course when a suddenly flying golf ball struck his face. After being transported to the hospital by ambulance, he was diagnosed with injuries to his teeth and jaw joints, receiving a recommendation for three weeks of treatment.
According to police investigations, it was confirmed that the golf course did not have safety nets to prevent balls from flying out. More seriously, it was revealed that there had been several previous instances of golf balls flying out of the course.
The golf course management explained, "We were unable to install safety nets due to complaints from local residents regarding their view."
A representative of the operating company claimed, "Before acquiring the golf course in July 2022, we prepared materials for the installation of nets, but we had to dispose of the materials and restore the area due to complaints from nearby apartment residents about obstructing their view."
A police official stated, "Although the victim reached an agreement with the golf course management, the charge of negligent injury is not a crime subject to complaint withdrawal, so the investigation continued. We determined that the golf course's responsibility for neglecting safety management was acknowledged and referred them to prosecutors."
The golf course management announced that they have planted 300 trees around the golf course to prevent safety accidents and requested that events near the golf course be avoided to prevent similar incidents. They also indicated plans to strengthen safety measures in consultation with relevant agencies.
Image Source: Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Reference photos for understanding the article / News1
