16 people killed at South Korean K-pop concert

[yuiyoshida]

16 people were killed and 11 others seriously injured when a ventilation grate collapsed during a concert in Senongnam, South Korea on Friday. According to the Associated Press, 20-30 people were standing on the grate when it collapsed, causing them to fall down a 65-foot shaft.

Many of the victims are believed to be young girls, who had gathered to watch South Korean K-pop group 4Minute. Reports indicate that the group was initially unaware of the tragedy and continued performing for several more minutes.

http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/10/16-people-killed-at-south-korean-k-pop-concert/

[Jamastiene]

1. So sad.

Condolences to the families.

[BlueJazz]

2. Aw geez. Those types of grates are not made to support that much weight. Most installations..

...are marked: Do Not put or stand on ...etc..etc..

Poor kids. The concert people, in charge, should have know better.

[MineralMan]

3. Sadly, kids don't understand strength of materials.

For them, it was a higher point to stand so they could see better. Very sad. Personally, I think such things should be fenced off so nobody can get on them. They're simply not safe to stand on. But just expecting people to know that is wrong.

[G_j]

4. Korean Safety Official Commits Suicide Following Concert Tragedy

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/south-korean-safety-official-commits-suicide-following-k-pop-concert-tragedy-20141018

After 16 people killed at 4Minute concert, the government official in charge of event's safety measure jumps to his death

The tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 K-pop fans at a 4Minute concert in Seongman, South Korea has resulted in another death: According to the Telegraph, a 37-year-old government official who was in charge of safety measures for the event was found dead around 7 a.m. local time in an apparent suicide after being questioned by police regarding the incident. A police inspector revealed that the man jumped from a 10-story building after writing a short note, "I am sorry for the dead victims. Please take good care of my children."

..more..

[davidpdx]

6. The thing is it wasn't entirely his fault and I feel bad for him

The people made the choice to get up onto a fan cover that was not made for 2500 lbs of weight. It is just common sense.

[davidpdx]

5. I heard about this right after it happened

It was on the local news here and my wife turned it on. I know what kind of vents they are talking about because I've seen them. I just can't understand why people think that would hold 25+ people. Even Koreans (who are much lighter in weight) are about 100 lbs a piece average, so that would be about 2500 lbs give or take.