Is the Last Missing Worker from the Gwangju Construction Collapse Found?
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Synopsis
In a tragic turn of events, the last missing worker from the Gwangju construction site collapse has been found dead, bringing the total death toll to four. This incident raises serious questions about safety measures at construction sites and has prompted government officials to consider new legislation to enhance workplace safety.
Key Takeaways
- Four workers died in the Gwangju construction site collapse.
- The last missing worker was found on Saturday.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse.
- The government is considering new safety legislation.
- The incident highlights the need for improved construction safety standards.
Seoul, Dec 13 (NationPress) The final missing worker in the tragic library construction site accident was discovered deceased on Saturday, resulting in a total of four fatalities from this devastating collapse that took place two days prior.
Officials reported that the body of a 58-year-old worker, identified by his surname Kim, was located around 11:20 a.m., raising the death toll from Thursday's mishap to four.
Earlier that same day, another worker, surnamed Ko, was found at approximately 1:03 a.m. Two other workers lost their lives on Thursday, the day of the accident.
The victims, all of whom were Korean nationals, were identified as technicians working for a subcontractor, according to Yonhap news agency.
Authorities suspect that the collapse initiated while workers were pouring concrete onto the rooftop of the two-story structure, with the ground levels plunging to the underground area.
The library, which was under construction, was being developed by the Gwangju metropolitan government on the site of an old waste incineration facility located around 300 kilometers south of Seoul.
Police and labor officials have raided the main contractor's headquarters to collect documents regarding the construction process to determine if proper safety protocols were implemented.
"We will conduct a thorough investigation into the structural factors that led to this tragic incident and ensure accountability for those responsible," stated an official from the Gwangju branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labour.
Land Minister Kim Yun-duk announced on Friday that the government aims to introduce new legislation aimed at enhancing construction workplace safety and imposing stricter penalties for fatal accidents, in light of an increasing number of such incidents.
Since taking office in June, President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the critical need for stronger measures to avert industrial accidents following a series of incidents at major construction companies' sites.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the growing concern over safety standards in the construction industry. This tragic incident in Gwangju underscores the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect workers. We must hold accountable those responsible for ensuring safety in our workplaces, advocating for systemic changes that prioritize lives over profits.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the construction site collapse in Gwangju?
Authorities suspect the collapse began while workers were pouring concrete onto the rooftop of the two-story structure, leading to ground levels falling to the underground.
How many workers died in the incident?
A total of four workers lost their lives due to the construction site collapse.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety at construction sites?
The government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at enhancing construction workplace safety and imposing stricter penalties for fatal accidents.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The victims were identified as technicians affiliated with a subcontractor and were all Korean nationals.
What actions have authorities taken in response to the incident?
Police and labor authorities raided the main contractor's headquarters to seize documents and confirm if safety measures were in place.
