Collapse at Seosomun Overpass Demolition Site Leaves 2 Dead, 4 Injured [Roundup]

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[Financial News] A structure collapsed at the Seosomun Overpass demolition site, killing two workers and injuring four others.
According to the fire authorities and related agencies on the 26th, the structure gave way after a subsidence occurred at around 2:33 p.m. at the Seosomun Overpass demolition site.
Safety inspection work was under way at the site at the time. The Seoul Metropolitan Government began an emergency safety inspection at 2 p.m. after a gap of about 2.9 centimeters appeared during slab-cutting work on the rail section the previous night. A total of nine people, including Seoul Metropolitan Government officials, supervisors, safety inspection contractors and outside structural experts, were reportedly on site for the inspection.
Related agencies believe the collapse may have occurred during an inspection of the bridge's lower girders. One official explained, "The collapse happened suddenly while we were inspecting from between the girders."
The accident left a total of six people dead or injured. So far, two men in their 50s and 60s have died, while four others, including one seriously injured and three with minor injuries, were taken to three hospitals. All of the deceased are believed to have been involved in the construction work, and police are confirming their identities and affiliations.
The injured were rescued from beneath the bridge and from inside vehicles. Some complained of head injuries and pain in the spine and ribs, and were taken to the National Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital and Kangbuk Samsung Hospital.
Police, fire authorities and other related agencies immediately launched a joint response. The fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at 2:49 p.m. and deployed rescue teams, special rescue units and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) to carry out rescue operations. As of 4 p.m., rescue efforts for all six people had been completed, but authorities are continuing search operations in case there are additional people buried under the debris. Police cordoned off the area and took steps to prevent secondary accidents, including further collapses, deploying a total of 257 officers. The road from the Korean National Police Agency intersection toward Chungjeong-ro remains fully closed.
A Seoul Metropolitan Government official said, "We are confirming the exact cause of the accident while carrying out additional measures to prevent falling debris and ensure safety at the site." The official added, "Together with related agencies, we will do everything we can to quickly assess the damage, secure the site and save lives."
Train service between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station has been suspended, and commuter train operations on the Seoul–Susaek section have also stopped. The demolition work had been scheduled for completion in early June.
yesji@fnnews.com Kim Ye-ji, Jang Yu-ha Reporter