Gov’t to conduct emergency safety inspections on public facilities

Nov 07, 2022, 09:30 am

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South Korean Prime Minister Han Duk-soo speaks during a meeting on the Itaewon crowd crush in the government complex in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2022./ Source: Yonhap

AsiaToday reporters Lee Wook-jae & Kim So-young

The government will conduct safety inspections on crowded public facilities for a month from Thursday in the wake of the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul. President Yoon Suk-yeol also plans to review the current disaster safety management system through a meeting on the nation’s safety system.

In a government meeting on the accident on Sunday, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo ordered related ministries and agencies to thoroughly re-examine safety management manuals by conducting a joint emergency safety inspection for a month, in order to fix necessary measures immediately.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the central and local governments as well as public institutions will participate in the inspection and will check whether there are any safety issues in crowded facilities, such as shopping malls, concert halls, schools, traditional markets, and national parks.

The had of each organization will directly visit the inspection site to inspect safety management system and whether there is any safety concerns in the facility. Minor issues noted during the inspection will be corrected immediately on the spot, and emergency measures will be taken to improve if repair or reinforcement is needed. A detailed safety diagnosis thorough a specialized agency will be carried out if necessary.

“A national safety system inspection meeting presided over by President Yoon Suk-yeol will be held on Monday,” the prime minister said. “During the meeting, the current safety management system will be reviewed and discussed with relevant ministries and experts,” he said. “We will take this opportunity to gather measures and ensure the protect the people’s safety.”

The plan announced on Sunday also includes support for casualties and bereaved families during domestic and foreign disasters.

“As of Sunday, funeral procedures of all the deceased have been completed, except nine foreigners,” Han said. “Even after the funeral, the government will monitor the families of the deceased and those who are undergoing treatment until the end, and provide necessary support.”

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