On March 24, 2025, a severe sinkhole measuring approximately 18 meters wide and 20 meters deep occurred near Daemyeong Elementary School in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. The incident took place around 6:29 PM, causing panic as four lanes of a six-lane road suddenly collapsed. As a result, a motorcycle driver fell into the sinkhole, prompting immediate rescue operations.
In the frantic aftermath, a woman in her 40s driving a Carnival vehicle narrowly avoided falling into the sinkhole. According to officials, she suffered minor injuries from the impact, which forced her to be transported to a nearby hospital. "The causation of the sinkhole is suspected to be due to a burst water main leading to ground collapse," explained Kim Chang-seop from the Gangdong Fire Station, emphasizing the ongoing concerns regarding municipal infrastructure.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with the fire department conducting a rescue mission for the motorcycle driver, who remained unaccounted for due to being trapped under debris. Rescuers faced challenging conditions as they worked to locate the driver, whose fate had raised growing concerns within the community.
The Gangdong Fire Station reported that the sinkhole was expanding, complicating rescue efforts. Officials are trying to ensure that the area is secure while maintaining a steady water supply for emergency operations. "We are prioritizing rescue and safety measures to prevent any casualties from the ground collapse," stated Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon during his visit to the site later that evening.
The initial cause of the sinkhole is believed to be tied to the ongoing subway line 9 construction nearby. According to eyewitness reports, several workers at the site noticed water leakage shortly before the disaster occurred, indicating that they quickly evacuated to safety. Local police are investigating the link between the construction project and the incident.
A local resident, who identified as a gas station operator nearby, stated that he had reported unusual ground subsidence on the road earlier in the day. "I noticed the road sinking slightly and alerted the local authorities around 11 AM," he said, expressing frustration over what appears to be a serious negligence regarding maintenance and safety protocols.
The city has now restricted traffic in both directions around Daemyeong Elementary School, causing significant disruptions. Residents and commuters have been advised to seek alternative routes until the situation is fully resolved. Furthermore, Hanyoung Foreign Language High School, also in the vicinity, made the decision to close on March 25 as a precautionary measure for students.
Seoul has experienced similar incidents in the past, raising alarming questions about the aging infrastructure of the water pipes beneath the streets. In fact, records show that out of the 223 sinkhole incidents in the city over the last decade, a staggering 31.4% were attributed to damaged and outdated water infrastructure. As of earlier this year, more than 68.6% of the city's water pipes had aged over 21 years, contributing to fears of further collapses.
The local government's response has included implementing a comprehensive improvement plan, focusing on the renovation of aging water pipes. However, the recent sinkhole's emergence just months after initiating repairs has left the public feeling increasingly anxious about safety. Several citizens have voiced concern that events like this could result in dire consequences, especially during peak commuting hours.
Mayor Oh concluded his site visit by reiterating that every contingency is being managed diligently, urging workers to focus on ensuring public safety while they continue recovery efforts. The incident not only reflects the immediate challenges posed by sudden geological changes but also reinforces the need for urgent infrastructural overhauls necessary to prevent a repeat of such accidents.
As investigations continue, officials will be looking into the reported connections between construction activities and the sinkhole, hoping to bring clarity to the factors at play. In the meantime, the affected communities remain on high alert as they await updates on the recovery of the motorcycle driver and the resolution of this troubling event.
