KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Three workers were reportedly killed and three others injured after part of an overpass being demolished in central Seoul collapsed today.
The Korea Times, citing fire and city authorities, reported that the collapse occurred at about 2.33pm at the Seosomun Overpass demolition site in Seodaemun District, when part of the bridge deck suddenly gave way during safety inspection work.
The three men who died — one in his 50s and two in their 60s — were among 12 workers at the site.
The injured workers reportedly suffered injuries to the head, waist, ribs and other parts of the body before being taken to nearby hospitals.
Officials reportedly said the inspection was being carried out after a subsidence gap was found during slab-cutting work earlier in the day, with a fire official saying it appeared a girder supporting the bridge deck collapsed while the workers were inside.
Emergency responders issued a Level 1 response and cordoned off nearby roads, while rail services between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station were temporarily suspended due to a power outage on an overhead line.
President Lee Jae Myung ordered officials to prioritise rescue efforts and medical treatment for the injured, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and called for a thorough investigation into the accident.
The Korea Times reported that Seosomun Overpass, built in 1966, had been due for demolition after safety concerns, with the work scheduled for completion next month.
Seoul overpass collapses, killing three and injuring three midway through demolition (VIDEO)
