A tragic incident at Changwon NC Park has cast a shadow over the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) as a fan succumbed to injuries sustained during a game. On March 30, 2025, a piece of aluminum structure fell from the stadium, hitting two fans during a match between the NC Dinos and the LG Twins. The fan, a woman in her 20s, died on Monday, March 31, 2025, after undergoing surgery for a serious head injury.
The incident occurred when a 2.6-meter-long, 40-centimeter-wide aluminum panel, weighing approximately 60 kilograms, detached from the wall above a concession stand on the third base side of the stadium. The panel fell from a height of about 18 meters, striking the concession stand before landing on the unfortunate fan and her sister, who suffered a broken collarbone in the process.
According to the Masan Dongbu Police Station, investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident. The police, alongside the National Forensic Service, are looking into the possibility of holding team and stadium officials accountable for manslaughter by professional negligence. The KBO has taken swift action, canceling the game scheduled for March 30 and announcing that the next three home games for the Dinos will be played behind closed doors.
Changwon NC Park, which opened in 2019, is the second-newest stadium in the KBO and has been a venue for many thrilling matches. However, this incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols within the league. The Dinos expressed their sorrow over the incident, stating, "Our employees have been staying with the injured fans at a local hospital, and we have been doing our best to ensure their wellbeing. With fan safety as our priority, we will continue to work with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the incident and prevent any recurrence."
The KBO, which has seen a surge in popularity, setting a single-season attendance record of 10.88 million fans last year, now faces scrutiny over its safety measures. The league has already experienced a remarkable start to the season, with 24 sold-out games within just eight days. However, following the tragedy, all cheering activities were minimized at games played on Sunday, March 30, 2025, out of respect for the injured fans.
In addition to the emotional distress faced by the victims, the league's decision to conduct safety checks at all stadiums hosting games on that day reflects the seriousness of the situation. Teams like the Dinos and their upcoming opponents, the SSG Landers, are now preparing for their next series without fans in attendance, which is unprecedented in the league's history.
As the investigation continues, the KBO and its teams are under pressure to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The affected family and the baseball community are mourning the loss and grappling with the implications of this tragic event. The league's response and the results of the investigation will be crucial in restoring confidence among fans and ensuring their safety during games.
Moving forward, the KBO must address these safety concerns head-on, as the eyes of the public remain fixed on how they will handle this matter. The league has a responsibility to its fans, players, and the broader community to ensure that every game is a safe and enjoyable experience. With the next three games at Changwon NC Park set to proceed without fans, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be somber, as the league and its teams reflect on the tragic events that led to this unprecedented decision.
