Tragic Incident at Changwon NC Park: Falling Structure Claims Life
A tragic accident occurred at Changwon NC Park, home of the NC Dinos, during a game against the LG Twins on March 29, 2025. A structure attached to a three-story building collapsed, injuring three spectators waiting in line at a concession stand. One victim suffered severe head injuries, while another sustained a broken collarbone. Unfortunately, the individual with head injuries passed away on March 31. The deceased and the injured are sisters, aged in their 20s and teens, respectively.
The fallen structure was identified as a 2.6-meter long aluminum louver, typically used for decorative purposes on building exteriors. There are claims that this louver was installed to meet eco-friendly building certification requirements, as it helps regulate indoor temperatures by providing shade. However, the exact reason for its installation remains unclear.
The NC Dinos stated that the louver was not installed by the team but was already in place when they took over the stadium. The Changwon City Facilities Corporation is currently investigating the installation details and whether it relates to eco-friendly certification.
Following the incident, the NC Dinos and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) canceled the game scheduled for March 30 and conducted an emergency safety inspection of Changwon NC Park. The stadium, which opened in 2019, is relatively new, leading to concerns about the quality of construction.
According to safety regulations, detailed inspections of facilities are typically conducted five years after construction, with subsequent checks every three years. Changwon NC Park underwent a thorough safety inspection in 2023, and it remains to be seen whether this inspection was adequate or if issues were overlooked.
The question of liability is still unresolved. Under an agreement with Changwon City, the NC Dinos hold the operational rights to the park for 25 years, which includes revenue from the stadium and advertising rights. However, major repairs are the responsibility of the city, while minor repairs fall to the Dinos. This division of responsibility complicates the determination of fault, and police investigations are expected to clarify the situation.
The Changwon City Facilities Corporation has stated that they need to verify the details before making any definitive statements regarding responsibility. They noted that the management rights are shared between the corporation and the NC Dinos, which could lead to varying interpretations of responsibility based on contractual agreements.
