ShinAnsan Line Collapse: Was the Response Delayed Due to Misreporting of ‘Damage’ as ‘Crack’?

The central pillar of the ShinAnsan Line tunnel that collapsed was initially reported as ‘damaged’ rather than merely ‘cracked’. This raises concerns that the response might have been delayed, as damage indicating a pillar breaking apart could lead to a faster collapse compared to a simple crack. 🚧

A representative from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) told KBS, “The choice of expression was not careful enough. The central pillar of the collapsed tunnel should be considered ‘damaged’, and we will correct it.” 📝

According to the situation report submitted by the ShinAnsan Line operator, Nextrail, to MOLIT and the Korea National Railway, it was stated, “April 10, 21:50, damage to the central pillar of the two-arch tunnel and evacuation of workers.” ⚠️

However, in the accident response materials distributed by MOLIT, the damaged central pillar was referred to as ‘cracks in the underground tunnel structure’ or ‘cracks in the tunnel structure’. 🧐

Choi Myung-ki, a professor at the Korea Industrial Field Professors Group, pointed out, “If the central pillar of a tunnel is damaged, the tunnel could collapse immediately. Reinforcement work should have been done very quickly.” 🏗️

In response, an official from MOLIT explained, “After a loud noise, all on-site personnel were evacuated. The opinion of the on-site experts was that a sudden collapse was unlikely.” They added, “At the expert meeting, it was decided that ‘since the pillar was damaged, it should be reinforced once it is stabilized.’ Related measurements reported no changes until 2 PM before the collapse.” 🕒

Did you know? 신안산선 (ShinAnsan Line) is a planned railway line to connect southwestern Seoul to Ansan.🚇

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