Seoul Overpass Collapse Kills Three During Safety Inspection at Demolition Site
A tragic construction accident in Seoul has left three people dead and three others injured after part of an overpass demolition site suddenly collapsed during a safety inspection.
The deadly incident occurred on May 26 at the Seosomun Overpass demolition project in Seodaemun District, South Korea. Authorities confirmed that workers and engineers were inspecting structural conditions when a large section of the bridge gave way without warning.
Structure Collapsed During Inspection
According to Seoul city officials, concerns had already emerged earlier that morning when workers noticed part of the bridge deck sinking by approximately 2.9 centimeters during overnight demolition work.
Construction activities were reportedly halted immediately, and a decision was made to conduct a safety inspection before continuing operations.
Around 1:40 p.m., nine people — including city infrastructure officials, construction managers, structural engineers, and supervisors — climbed onto scaffolding beneath the overpass to examine the damaged section.
Roughly 50 minutes later, a supporting girder suddenly snapped, causing the deck slab and scaffolding to collapse in a dramatic V-shape.
Five individuals plunged nearly six meters to the ground and became trapped under heavy debris.
Three Dead, Others Hospitalized
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and rescued the victims from the wreckage.
However, three men later died from their injuries, including:
A construction site manager in his 60s
A structural engineer in his 50s
A chief supervisor in his 60s
Two additional victims were hospitalized with injuries, while another individual suffered minor wounds.
Officials said the victims were wearing safety helmets and protective suits during the inspection.
Experts Question Safety Measures
Following the collapse, safety experts criticized the apparent lack of preventive measures at the site.
Engineering specialists argued that additional supports or cranes should have been installed before inspectors entered the unstable area.
Professor Choi Myung-gi, a construction safety expert, said warning signs were already visible after the bridge deck shifted earlier in the day.
He noted that proceeding with the inspection without reinforcing the structure may have significantly increased the risk of collapse.
Seoul city officials defended their decision, claiming the danger level was considered low at the time and that a more detailed safety plan was intended after the inspection.
Authorities also explained that installing cranes or supports during daytime hours was difficult because an active railway line operated directly beneath the bridge.
Rail and Road Traffic Severely Disrupted
The collapse also caused major transportation disruptions across Seoul.
Concrete debris fell onto railway tracks below the overpass, forcing the suspension of train services between Seoul Station and Haengsin Station.
According to KORAIL, more than 340 trains normally pass through the affected rail line every day, including KTX high-speed trains and commuter rail services.
Officials revealed that a passenger train had passed the area just three minutes before the collapse, narrowly avoiding a potentially catastrophic disaster.
Nearby roads were also reportedly left open during the inspection. A truck driven by a local district official was damaged by falling debris, and the driver sustained injuries.
Experts later warned that the crowded urban location could have resulted in far higher casualties if the collapse had happened during peak traffic hours.
Investigation Underway
South Korean police and labor authorities have launched a full investigation into the accident.
Investigators are reviewing whether proper demolition and safety procedures were followed according to official construction regulations.
Government records reportedly required supports or braces to be installed whenever there was a risk of deformation or collapse during demolition work.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor has already ordered an immediate suspension of operations at the site.
Aging Overpass Scheduled for Replacement
The Seosomun Overpass was originally opened in 1966 and had been undergoing demolition since September 2024 due to aging infrastructure and falling concrete hazards.
The 570-meter elevated roadway connects several key districts in central Seoul.
Authorities had planned to complete demolition work by July 2025, with construction of a new overpass scheduled for completion in 2028.
Officials estimate cleanup and removal of remaining debris could take at least 40 hours once safety clearance is granted.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary reports and official statements from South Korean authorities. Investigations into the exact cause of the collapse are ongoing.
0 Comments