(LEAD) PM orders thorough safety measures for Seoul fireworks festival

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed the government Friday to take thorough measures to ensure crowd safety during the 2024 Seoul International Fireworks Festival this weekend, his office said.

The annual festival hosted by Hanwha Group will take place Saturday over the Han River near Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Park, drawing an expected 1 million people.

Han ordered relevant government agencies, including the ministries of the interior, culture, industry and health, as well as the police and firefighting agencies, to make utmost efforts for crowd control, such as by establishing an emergency contact system for use during emergencies and accidents, separating entrance and exit ways, installing safety barriers and securing emergency exits.

He especially called for safety measures for accident-prone areas, such as slopes and waterfronts, and preparing sufficient firefighting equipment against possible fires.

Han further called for measures to respond to medical emergencies and handle a surge of people taki
ng the bus and the subway after the show.

The Seoul city government said it will introduce a new safety management system using drones to detect traffic congestion or unexpected accidents better and manage traffic accordingly.

The Yeongdeungpo Ward office said it will mobilize 342 personnel for on-site safety management while also monitoring the event site through surveillance cameras to send out emergency texts in case of imminent danger.

The festival will begin at 1 p.m. with various promotional events at booths set up at Hangang Park. The fireworks show will begin at 7 p.m.

Source: Yonhap News Agency