(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-09 19:39

SEOUL -- South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo ordered on Wednesday his Cabinet ministers to investigate thoroughly the cause of the tragic explosion and fire at a warehouse in Icheon city, which left 40 dead, including 12 Chinese citizens, and 10 others injured.

"There must be a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict punishment of all people responsible for it," said Han when presiding over a meeting of ministers and high ranking government officials at his office.

"It is questionable whether state regulations and guidelines for the safety of public facilities and construction sites have been adequately observed. If there are still any loopholes, a thorough revision of regulations and systems will be needed," Han said.

The prime minister asked the relevant government departments to do their utmost to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy, including funerals, compensation and identification of the dead, in a speedy and satisfactory manner.

He also ordered the justice and foreign ministries to allow family members of foreign victims to enter the country without difficulty.

Han visited the scene of the fire, about 80 km southeast of Seoul, Wednesday afternoon and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

South Korea's Justice Ministry said family members of foreign victims would get visas allowing them to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days after presenting simple documents to prove their family relationship to the victims.

The visiting foreign families will be allowed to outstay their visas if their negotiations about compensation and other issues with the employer of the victims are prolonged, said the ministry.