On-Site Probe Conducted 6 Days After Landmine Blast; Explosion Point Not Reached

[Anchor]

The South Korean military and the United Nations Command launched an on-site investigation six days after a landmine explosion occurred on September 21 in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the western front in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, in an effort to determine the cause of the incident. The investigation team was unable to reach the exact blast point and plans to carry out further on-site probes.

Kim Hye-young reports.

[Reporter]

The South Korean military and the United Nations Command conducted a joint on-site investigation yesterday (September 27) regarding the landmine explosion that occurred in the Demilitarized Zone along the western front.

This came six days after the incident took place on September 21.

The on-site investigation team consisted of about 40 personnel, including South Korean military operational troops, officials from the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission, and investigators.

Some military officers who took part in the operation at the time of the accident also joined the investigation.

From around 9 a.m. yesterday until sunset, the team operated mine detectors and conducted a detailed search for mines along maneuvering routes in the DMZ, while simultaneously working to secure additional maneuvering pathways.

The team reportedly reached the vicinity of the presumed blast site, but was not yet able to carry out a full-scale probe into the precise explosion point.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff explained that the operation was concluded due to safety concerns, as the site was an unidentified minefield with high hazards and the personnel experienced severe fatigue.

The South Korean military and the UNC plan to conduct additional on-site investigations to determine the circumstances and cause of the incident.

A JCS official stated that they "plan to explain objectively and transparently" the facts confirmed through the investigation.

On the morning of September 21, 18 personnel, including members of the Army's 25th Infantry Division reconnaissance unit and supporting combat engineers, were deployed on a mission to clear a new reconnaissance path in the DMZ.

During the mission, landmines detonated consecutively, injuring three officers, including a reconnaissance battalion commander.

The day before yesterday (September 26), the military and the UNC deployed about 20 personnel to conduct a preliminary survey to secure the maneuvering routes and inspect safety conditions ahead of yesterday's on-site probe.

(Video by Kim Hyun-sang | Video Editing by Wi Won-yang | Graphics by Park Cheon-woong | Footage courtesy of Joint Chiefs of Staff)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.