One year after a tragic incident at Changwon NC Park during a professional baseball game, fans and officials gathered for a memorial service to honor the victim who succumbed to injuries.
Tragic Incident Overview
A 33kg aluminum external insulation panel known as ‘rubber’ plummeted 17.5 meters from the stadium roof around 5 p.m. during the third inning of an NC Dinos home game. Three fans sustained injuries, including a young woman in her 20s whose condition deteriorated over the year, leading to her passing.
Memorial at the Site
On March 29, hundreds assembled at the ‘Peace Tower’ entrance of Masan Stadium in Changwon, Gyeongnam Province. Participants, including family members, citizens, baseball fans, and agency representatives, observed a moment of silence for the ‘NC Park accident victim.’
Peace ribbons adorned the site, symbolizing grief, demands for accident prevention, compensation fairness, harmony, and reflection. Emotional banners read sentiments like ‘We hope for no more such pain’ and ‘Do not forget the victims.’
One grieving family member stated, “Mom, look at your daughter, feel her hunger and love. Live happily receiving love in a good place.”
Mayor’s Commitment to Safety
Changwon Mayor Kwon Oh-haeng addressed the crowd, saying, “The pain from that day remains a deep sorrow for all, prompting reflection on the task of demanding clear accountability.” He pledged, “We will strengthen public facility safety management to prevent such tragedies from recurring and ensure no negligence in related operations.”
Ongoing Investigation and Operations
The city continues safety briefings with agencies and fans until March 31, while operating an online memorial space. Officials noted, “Even after public events end by 5:30 p.m., we can accommodate bereaved families’ visits, planning facility improvements.”
Investigations launched January 26 involved 14 personnel from city hall and related departments. Findings point to inadequate surveying, signaling, monitoring, and maintenance of the NC Park external structure, confirming it as the cause of the fall.
One young woman among 20 in attendance during the incident suffered severe injuries, underscoring persistent safety concerns at the venue.
