Investigation into Bujeon-Masan Tunnel Collapse Extended Until November 20

[Financial News] The Construction Accident Investigation Committee, which is investigating the cause of the collapse of Nakdong Tunnel 1 on the Bujeon-Masan double-track railway and measures to prevent recurrence, has extended its investigation period until November 20. It has decided to further review safety management measures during railway operations, as there is a possibility that construction of remaining disaster prevention facilities will continue even after the partial opening in April 2027. According to the Construction Accident Investigation Committee on the 30th, the investigation period will be extended by approximately one and a half months, from the existing February 5 to October 4 to November 20. The total investigation period is extended from eight months to approximately nine and a half months.
The accident occurred on March 18, 2020, in Nakdong Tunnel 1 while construction was underway on evacuation connecting passage No. 3 of the Bujeon-Masan double-track railway.
Since the kick-off meeting on February 5, the investigation committee has held 15 plenary meetings and 3 expert consultations. Drilling surveys were conducted at a total of 7 locations to verify construction records and check the condition of the ground improvement area.
Alternative construction methods are also being reviewed for the safe construction of evacuation connecting passages 1 and 2, which are required for the full opening. The suitability of the alternative disaster prevention facilities proposed by the project implementer is being verified through 3D structural analysis and evacuation performance verification simulations.
The service for verifying the safety of disaster prevention facilities will continue until next month. With the partial opening schedule recently set for April 2027, construction on remaining disaster prevention facilities, such as evacuation connecting passages, is expected to continue even after the partial opening. The investigation committee explained that it extended the investigation period to closely examine the necessary safety management measures in the event that construction is carried out while trains are in operation.
Investigation Committee Chairman Oh Young-seok stated, "We have been conducting specialized investigations and analyses, including on-site drilling and simulations to verify disaster prevention performance. We have extended the investigation period to present objective and highly reliable results through more thorough verification," adding, "We will prepare and announce the investigation results and measures to prevent recurrence as soon as possible."

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