Overpass collapses in South Korea, killing 3 people.

The three fatalities were all people conducting safety checks on the bridge. Three others were injured.

Television images showed rescue workers searching the scene after a long section of the bridge collapsed onto the road below near a train track in central Seoul. City officials said workers had noticed signs of instability in the structure overnight and decided to halt demolition work early on May 26 to check for safety, when the accident occurred.

The scene of the accident. (Photo: Reuters)

The bridge collapsed that afternoon while safety inspectors were inside the supporting structure. According to fire officials, all those killed and injured were high-ranking officials from the city's public works agency, along with a private sector expert who was participating in the inspection.

The overpass was built in 1966 and is being dismantled due to safety issues and structural deterioration over time.

The Korea Herald reported that the first firefighters arrived at the scene at approximately 2:38 PM, just six minutes after receiving the report. Authorities issued a Level 1 emergency response at around 2:49 PM, deploying 62 personnel and 16 vehicles to the scene.

In addition, five ambulances were dispatched and approximately 30 police officers were deployed to the scene of the incident.

The rescue team then communicated safety measures to personnel on the scene at approximately 2:42 p.m. and reported the situation to the National Crisis Management Center and relevant agencies.

Train services between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station were suspended following the collapse, affecting the Gyeongui line and many other nearby services. Following the accident, the two leading candidates in the Seoul mayoral election on June 3rd temporarily suspended their campaign activities.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also issued an emergency directive after being informed of the collapse on the afternoon of May 26.

Mr. Kim instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Safety and the National Fire Service to mobilize all available personnel and equipment for rescue operations. He also requested relevant agencies to provide necessary personnel and equipment at the scene and to fully coordinate with the rescue forces.

In addition, the Prime Minister requested that nearby medical facilities capable of receiving victims be identified and that the transportation of the injured be carried out quickly to minimize casualties. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident.

Phuong Anh (Source: Strait Times)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/sap-cau-vuot-o-han-quoc-khien-3-nguoi-thiet-mang-ar1020126.html