25.08.19.Today News : Two Railway Workers Killed in Cheongdo Mugunghwa Train Accident, 70 Passengers Safe

Limited visibility on curved section and weak safety measures blamed for tragedy… No passenger injuries reported

• Limited visibility on curved section and weak safety measures blamed for tragedy… No passenger injuries reported

In Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, a Mugunghwa train struck railway maintenance workers, leaving two dead and five injured. Fortunately, all 70 passengers on board were confirmed safe, but the incident has raised serious concerns over safety management and warning systems in railway operations.

In Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, a Mugunghwa train struck railway maintenance workers, killing two and injuring five.

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■ Accident Details

At 10:52 a.m. on the 19th, the accident occurred near the Cheongdo Bullfighting Stadium in Samshin-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo County, along the Gyeongbu Line.

The Mugunghwa train No. 1903, which had departed from Dongdaegu Station bound for Jinju, ran into seven maintenance workers inspecting the track. The accident site was just past a curved section, where visibility was limited, making it difficult for workers to detect the train in time.

■ Casualties

Two workers, belonging to a structural safety inspection company, were killed instantly. The remaining five were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.

Meanwhile, more than 70 passengers on the train were unharmed. The train made an emergency stop immediately after the collision, and passengers were safely guided without panic.

■ Cause Analysis

The site was a curved section where workers’ line of sight was severely restricted. In addition, the Mugunghwa train, powered by electricity, generates relatively little noise, making it difficult to sense its approach.

Experts pointed out that “safety spotters should always be assigned during track maintenance, but it appears this protocol was not properly followed in this case.”

■ Safety Oversight Issues

Railway authorities said, “We are investigating the exact cause and will take measures to prevent recurrence.” However, critics argue that repeated lapses in railway maintenance safety have once again led to preventable casualties.

The fact that such a basic failure occurred in Korea’s key national transportation network has fueled further public shock.

■ Future Tasks

Observers stress that this accident cannot be dismissed as an isolated error.

Improvements are urgently needed in train warning systems, stronger deployment of safety monitors, and reinforced evacuation protocols for workers. Unless responsibility is clearly established and reforms are implemented, experts warn that similar tragedies may happen again.

One-line summary : In Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang, a Mugunghwa train struck railway workers, killing two and injuring five, while all 70 passengers remained safe.