The death of eleven people trying to enter a televised concert in Sangju reminds you once again of how insensitivity to safety invites tragedy. The people are still saddened and shamed by this shocking event. First we need to wish the best for the deceased and sooth their families in their sadness. The responsible authorities need to do everything possible to assure that the injured, the deceased, and their families are not hurt once again in the course of the funerals, medical treatment, and compensation.
The negligent approach taken towards event safety is becoming increasingly apparent, confirming that this, too, was a "manmade" disaster. The recklessness of the organizers, who expected as many as 20,000 people and yet went ahead with only about 100 safety personnel, just leaves you breathless. It is also hard to understand how they did not let people in early despite the fact that a large crowd had gathered, and that when they did open the gates they opened them only at one entrance. The accusation that organizers were selfishly trying to achieve a bigger effect is not unreasonable. One also has to mention the fact that the tragedy could have been avoided if MBC, in all its experience holding big events, had been stronger in demanding safety measures, all the more so if you consider how there are suggestions that an earlier MBC concert lacked the proper safety precautions as well.
It is unsightly to have Sangju's city government, the professional event organizing company, and MBC giving the impression they are each trying to place the blame with each other. What has to happen first and foremost is that there needs to be a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident so as to make sure that such dumbfounding accidents are not repeated. There has to be a full inquiry into suspicions regarding the process through which the professional event organizing company was selected. The question of where responsibility lies needs a definite answer. That is how to assure the death of innocent citizens is a lesson learned, and that is why the parties involved must actively cooperate in the investigation.
It is the role of the responsible government authorities to take the opportunity to draft measures that prevent such accidents. Lately every kind of local government body has been competing to hold diverse events and festivals so there's no assurance that something similar won't happen again. The government has to take this opportunity to take a careful look at safety at various events, to draft standard safety guidelines, and to see to it that those guidelines are diffused to where they're needed. By doing that it can simultaneously make sure that cultural events continue to be held and create the conditions necessary for citizens to enjoy diverse forms of culture safely.
The Hankyoreh, 5 October 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Why Can't They Prevent Senseless Tragedies? |
