What Measures is South Korea's PM Recommending After the Seoul River Bus Incident?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In the wake of a troubling river bus accident in Seoul, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has called for a thorough investigation and enhanced safety measures. This article delves into the incident's details, the government’s response, and the implications for public transport safety in South Korea.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has called for an investigation into the river bus accident.
- All passengers were safely rescued by emergency services.
- The city government expressed regret and committed to enhancing safety measures.
- Public transport safety standards are under scrutiny following recent incidents.
- Authorities are investigating the causes of the accidents to improve safety protocols.
Seoul, Nov 16 (NationPress) South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok directed the Seoul city administration on Sunday to collaborate with the Interior Ministry to investigate a recent river bus incident and formulate necessary safety protocols.
On Saturday, one of the vessels operating on the water bus service along the Han River halted near a dock in southeastern Seoul while navigating through shallow waters.
All 82 individuals on board were successfully rescued by police and fire services.
Kim voiced serious concerns regarding the overall safety of the service, particularly whether the city government had considered topographic factors when selecting stop locations and operational routes, as reported by Kim's office and the Yonhap news agency.
In an official statement, the city administration expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and pledged to conduct more thorough inspections of operations.
They also stated that all safety response measures were routinely followed after the incident.
The water bus initiative is a significant project initiated by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, but it has faced criticism concerning its safety, particularly from the ruling party.
In another incident, a court issued an arrest warrant on Saturday for a truck driver in his sixties accused of causing a fatal collision in a traditional market near Seoul, resulting in two fatalities and injuring 19 others.
The Incheon District Court issued the warrant for the individual, citing the risk of flight.
This accident happened at Jeil Market in Bucheon, approximately 20 km southwest of Seoul, on Thursday, as the 67-year-old driver's one-ton truck crashed through the market's narrow alley.
Among the 21 victims, two were market vendors while the remaining 19 were customers.
The driver is reported to suffer from Moyamoya disease, a rare vascular brain condition.
During the police investigation, he allegedly contended that his condition had no effect on his driving abilities. However, during the arrest warrant hearing, he reportedly changed his statement, admitting that although he had been on medication for the brain disorder, he had not received treatment recently due to work commitments.
Police confirmed via the vehicle's pedal dashcam that the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake at the time of the incident.
Authorities suspect that the accident resulted from the driver's misoperation of the pedals, rather than sudden acceleration.
Point of View
I believe this incident highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety standards in public transport. The government's response is crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring safety measures are in place to prevent future accidents.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation into the river bus accident?
The investigation was prompted by a recent river bus accident where all 82 passengers were safely rescued, raising concerns about the overall safety of the service.
What are the key safety measures being considered?
The Seoul city government is expected to assess topographic factors in stop locations and operational routes as part of the safety measures.
What is the significance of the water bus service in Seoul?
The water bus service is a key initiative by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, aimed at enhancing public transport options along the Han River.
What other incidents occurred around the same time?
A separate incident involving a truck driver in Bucheon resulted in fatalities and injuries, further raising concerns about public safety.
How will the government ensure public safety moving forward?
The government has pledged to conduct thorough inspections and implement necessary safety protocols following the investigation's findings.
