Baseball games across South Korea were canceled today (April 1) after a piece of metal fell from a stadium structure, fatally striking a baseball fan. Police reported that a woman in her 20s died from head injuries.
The incident occurred on Saturday during a KBO League game between the home team, NC Dinos, and the LG Twins at Changwon NC Park in the southeastern city of Changwon.
An aluminum panel, installed outside the club’s office windows, fell from a height of approximately 18 meters (59 feet), critically injuring the female baseball fan and fracturing the collarbone of her younger sister.
In a statement, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced, “KBO has designated April 1-3 as a mourning period,” and all games in both the KBO League and Minor League were canceled today. It remains unclear whether those games will be rescheduled. Before Wednesday’s games, a moment of silence will be observed, players will wear black ribbons, and fans will be asked to refrain from cheering.
“Additionally, KBO and all 10 clubs will conduct thorough safety inspections of stadium structures before resuming games,” the statement added.
On Monday, NC Dinos conducted an additional safety inspection at Changwon NC Park, using a crane to examine the same type of aluminum panels installed at other stadiums. Following Saturday’s incident (March 29), a total of 231 panels are being reviewed to ensure structural integrity. The team stated that they aim to complete the inspections by Wednesday or Thursday.
Meanwhile, the K League, South Korea’s professional football league, announced that it had instructed all 26 teams in K League 1 and K League 2 to re-inspect their stadiums for any potential hazards to prevent accidents.
The league emphasized the importance of close collaboration between clubs and their respective regional governments to conduct comprehensive safety checks.
https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2850583
