Minister Kim Yoon-deok of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport directed a thorough investigation into the cause of rebar omissions at the GTX Samsung Station construction site.
The ministry reported that Kim visited the construction site of the underground complex development project on Yeongdong-daero in Seoul on the morning of May 22 to inspect the area where construction errors occurred.
This site is part of the underground complex development project being implemented by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The 1-kilometer section of the GTX Samsung Station is being constructed under the supervision of the Korea National Railway Corporation, which has been entrusted by the city. The Seoul government commissioned the construction project.
Following the formation of a special inspection team on May 18, the ministry expanded it into a government joint inspection team starting May 21. The team plans to focus on the overall construction project, examining safety conditions, construction practices, quality control, and project management.
After receiving a report on the construction status and reinforcement plans, Minister Kim confirmed the safety management practices at the site where the construction errors occurred and the follow-up measures taken.
Kim stated, "The occurrence of rebar omissions in the GTX line, which residents in the metropolitan area will use daily, is a very serious matter directly related to public safety."
He emphasized the need to thoroughly identify the causes of construction deficiencies and to ensure that no safety issues remain by verifying reinforcement measures.
Kim also instructed that all necessary reinforcement measures should be considered based on the inspection results.
Meanwhile, the issue of rebar omissions at GTX Samsung Station has sparked controversy over the adequacy of construction management and reporting systems. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety decided to include not only the section where construction errors were confirmed but also all facilities under construction along Yeongdong-daero in the inspection scope. Private experts and related agencies will also participate in the inspections.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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