'Retaining Wall Collapse Accident' Osan Mayor Lee Kwon-jae Summoned for Investigation on Serious Civil Disaster Charges
Police are investigating Osan Mayor Lee Kwon-jae on serious civil disaster charges related to the collapse of a retaining wall in Gyeonggi Province.
On October 10, police in Gyeonggi Province summoned Osan Mayor Lee Kwon-jae for questioning regarding allegations of violating the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, stemming from a retaining wall collapse that occurred last year. This marked the first appearance of Mayor Lee before police since the investigation began in November. Authorities are expected to probe the city's response to the incident and the overall management of public facilities related to the accident.
The summons came just 12 days after the National Land Transportation Safety Committee released a report on the incident, which highlighted that an accumulation of rainwater had not been adequately drained, leading to increased water pressure and ultimately the collapse. The report pointed to a combination of failings across all stages of design, construction, and maintenance, indicating negligence from all parties involved in the project. In response to this report, Mayor Lee held a press conference to contest the findings, claiming that the investigation did not accurately reflect the city's maintenance and response efforts at the time of the accident.
The retaining wall collapsed during heavy rainfall on July 16, 2022, resulting in the tragic death of a driver whose car was struck by debris. Mayor Lee emphasized that prior to the collapse, the area had undergone five safety inspections since 2023, all receiving satisfactory ratings, which he argues demonstrates the structural integrity of the site leading up to the incident. This case raises significant concerns about municipal oversight and accountability in managing infrastructure safety in Osan, as public safety is at stake in the wake of such disasters.