At least four construction workers were killed and six others injured when part of a highway bridge under construction collapsed on Tuesday morning, officials reported. The tragic incident occurred around 9:50 AM local time at the expressway construction site located in Anseong, approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Seoul.
The bridge was under construction to connect sections of the highway when it collapsed. Eyewitness accounts describe hearing what sounded like dynamite exploding just before the structure fell apart. Five steel beams, each about 50 meters long, supporting the bridge, gave way one after another. Local fire officials reported at least ten workers were on the deck at the time of the collapse.
Emergency responders quickly mobilized to the scene, with more than 150 workers from the National Fire Agency dispatched to carry out rescue operations. By the afternoon, all ten workers had been accounted for after thorough searches through the rubble.
Among the deceased were two South Korean nationals and two Chinese workers, reflecting the international nature of the workforce involved in the construction project. One of the injured individuals is also Chinese. Officials stated some of the injured were receiving treatment for serious conditions at local hospitals, underscoring the severity of the collapse.
Hyundai Engineering, the main contractor overseeing the construction of the bridge, issued a public apology, expressing their condolences for the lives lost. "We sincerely bow our heads in apology to those who lost their precious lives and were injured in the accident at our construction site," the company stated.
South Korea has faced scrutiny over safety issues related to construction sites. Between 2020 and 2023, the country experienced at least 8,000 work-related deaths. Despite legislation enacted in 2022 aimed at improving safety standards, incidents like the Anseong bridge collapse highlight the persistent dangers within the industry. Earlier this month, six individuals lost their lives at another construction site, prompting calls for renewed safety measures.
Ko Kyung-man, representative of Anseong Fire Station, informed the media, "All of the 10 were up on the deck... and fell from both sides when it collapsed." Investigations are currently underway to determine the causes behind the incident, with authorities examining the construction practices and safety protocols employed.
Reactions from the public and labor advocacy groups likely will intensify following this tragedy, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to safeguard workers. While this specific incident is under investigation, it serves as yet another reminder of the challenges faced by the construction industry and the lives impacted by its oversight.
Safety concerns were raised by local residents, not only reflecting on this incident but also on the broader threats posed to workers within the industry. Some residents reported distress over the safety of construction practices within their communities. "A resident heard a loud noise like dynamite exploding before the bridge crashed down," stated the National Fire Agency, alluding to the shocking nature of the collapse.
With construction activities resuming shortly after the incident, there remains concern about the effectiveness of existing regulations and the overall state of labor safety. The South Korean government may face increased pressure to address these issues head-on, ensuring such catastrophic events do not occur again.
While investigations continue, the memories of the victims will linger, pushing advocates and families alike to demand accountability and reform within the construction industry.