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The scene of the collapse at the demolition site of the Seosomun Overpass in Seoul’s Seodaemun District, where the accident occurred at approximately 2:32 p.m. on May 26. Fire authorities are checking for additional casualties. (Photo = Yonhap News Agency) |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] A partial collapse at a demolition site of the Seosomun Overpass in Seoul has left three people dead and three others injured, authorities said.
According to fire officials, part of the overpass deck collapsed at around 2:33 p.m. on May 26 during dismantling work. The victims include a site manager in his 60s and an external safety inspection expert in his 50s, while a supervising engineer later died after being transported to a hospital in cardiac arrest.
Three others—including two Seoul city officials and a truck driver—were injured and are receiving treatment. A total of 13 people were reportedly near the site at the time, with seven escaping without injury.
Authorities said signs of structural subsidence had been detected about 12 hours before the incident, prompting a halt in construction. The collapse is believed to have occurred while officials and engineers were conducting a safety inspection, during which temporary structures and girders gave way.
Emergency responders deployed dozens of personnel and vehicles, while police have launched a full-scale investigation. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has formed a dedicated task force of about 50 investigators to determine the exact cause.
The overpass, built in 1966, had been classified as structurally deficient and was undergoing demolition since September last year, with the project nearly 90% complete at the time of the accident.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
