Bongdeok-dong Rock Wall Collapse Death... Police: "Difficult to Predict in Advance"

Assessment by Seven Experts and On-Site Investigation
A Combined Effect of Aging Trees, Jointing, and Strong Winds
No Concrete Grounds for Criminal Charges
Case to Be Closed Before Formal Indictment

Regarding the fatal accident involving the collapse of a natural rock wall in Bongdeok-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu, the police have determined that it was difficult to predict the incident in advance and plan to close the case before any formal charges are filed.

Daegu Police Agency
Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

The Violent Crime Investigation Unit of the Daegu Police Agency announced that, in connection with the fatal rock collapse accident that occurred on May 8 in Bongdeok-dong, Nam-gu, they had reviewed the case materials, questioned the responsible public officials, and held appraisal and advisory meetings with a panel of seven experts, including professors in the field of civil engineering.

The police-commissioned expert analysis found that, due to the geological characteristics of the collapse site, it was difficult to detect any risk in advance, and that significant jointing (cracked seams) had developed in the rock mass.

Specifically, it was analyzed that the anchoring strength of the rock had weakened after over 20 years of tree growth within the joints, and this, combined with strong winds on the day of the accident, contributed to the collapse of the rock wall.

Experts reported to the police that, given these circumstances, the collapse was a sudden and extraordinary event, making it difficult to detect any warning signs during routine management.

The police also confirmed that there had been no previous reports or complaints regarding falling rocks at the accident site. After a comprehensive review of witness statements, on-site and related documents, and the findings of expert appraisals and advisory meetings, the Daegu Police Agency concluded that it was nearly impossible for those responsible to anticipate in advance the fatal accident caused by the natural rock wall collapse.

Accordingly, the police determined that there are no concrete grounds for criminal charges, such as work-related negligence, and will close the case before any indictment.

A police official stated, "We thoroughly examined all relevant materials, witness statements, as well as expert analyses and meeting outcomes in the field of civil engineering to assess the predictability of the accident and the possibility of managerial negligence."

This investigation concluded that the rock wall collapse was largely a natural disaster, with characteristics that made it extremely difficult to detect warning signs through ordinary management. However, since even minor geological changes in natural rock walls adjacent to urban residential areas can result in casualties, regardless of criminal responsibility, the need remains for more meticulous inspections and proactive safety management systems for high-risk areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.