(image: Yonhap)
MUAN, May 12 (Korea Bizwire) — Police are reviewing the application of the Serious Accident Punishment Act for a recent case involving the drowning of a golfer in a pond at a golf course.
The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency said it will check if this accident meets the criteria of the Serious Accident Punishment Act and if so, it will apply charges of professional negligence resulting in death and a violation of the act.
Accordingly, the police are now investigating whether the golf course owner fulfilled safety and public health obligations.
Under the current law, serious industrial accidents associated with industrial disasters or occupational diseases are investigated by the nation’s nine metropolitan labor offices, while civilian accidents caused by defects at public utility facilities or public transport are investigated by the police.
On April 27, a golfer fell into a pond with a depth of three meters while playing golf at a golf course in Suncheon, South Jeolla province.
After being rescued in a state of cardiac arrest, he was transported to a hospital but eventually died.
While playing golf with co-workers, the man drowned after looking for a lost ball in the pond.
If the Serious Accident Punishment Act is enforced for this accident, it would become the first application of the new law after it entered effect in January.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
