Seoul: An aging overpass in Seoul undergoing removal partially collapsed Tuesday, leaving two people dead and four others injured, officials said. Parts of the Seosomun Overpass and other construction debris fell to the ground at 2:32 p.m., resulting in the deaths of two men in their 50s and 60s.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a total of 12 workers had initially been dispatched to the site, with six people having evacuated the scene. An official at the Seodaemun Fire Station indicated that a structure supporting the overpass is suspected to have fallen after safety inspections began at about 2 p.m.
The debris also fell on a nearby railway, causing the Korea Railroad Corp. to suspend rail operations between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station. The overpass had been scheduled to be torn down by early next month.
President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and instructed officials to devise measures to prevent a recurrence, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a release. Lee also ordered utmost efforts to deal with the aftermath of the accident and to treat those injured.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok previously ordered the full mobilization of equipment and personnel to rescue victims. Kim emphasized that the Seoul city government, the land ministry, and other related agencies should extend full cooperation for rescue efforts while identifying medical facilities capable of accepting victims and swiftly transporting the injured to minimize casualties. Kim also urged officials to ensure the safety of rescue workers and to restrict access to the scene to prevent further casualties.