Seoul Subway Sees Average of 10 'Falling' Incidents per Month

Recent data reveals that the Seoul subway has averaged 10 'falling' incidents per month over the past five years.

The Seoul Transportation Corporation reported that from 2020 to 2024, a total of 597 falling incidents occurred within the Seoul subway stations.

This amounts to an annual average of 119 incidents, approximately 10 per month, which accounts for about 25% of the total 2,387 incidents.

The main causes of falling incidents were identified as alcohol consumption, running, and collisions. Notably, incidents that occurred on stairs or escalators represented 46% of all falling incidents, totaling 275 cases.

There were many instances where individuals misstepped while running down stairs or using escalators to transfer between trains.

During rush hour, accidents frequently occurred as people hurriedly moved to catch arriving trains based on the real-time information.

In response to these incidents, the Seoul Transportation Corporation is making various efforts to reduce them.

Firstly, they regularly conduct public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing falling incidents and intensively broadcast safety announcements during high-incident hours.

Additionally, they display falling incident prevention videos on destination display panels to inform citizens of safety protocols.

Senior safety assistants and subway safety helpers have been deployed at major crowded stations to promptly respond to any unusual situations.

Currently, 582 senior safety assistants are assigned across 49 stations, and 144 subway safety helpers are active in 39 stations.

The head of the Business Division at Seoul Transportation Corporation, Ma Hae-geun, emphasized, "Running on stairs or escalators in the subway can lead to serious accidents. Please refrain from running and adhere to safety rules."

Image source: Photo = Insight, reference photo for understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank