South Korea: Rescuers resume search for missing worker at collapsed subway construction site in Gwangmyeong

IANS April 13, 2025 283 views

A critical rescue operation is underway in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, following a serious subway construction site collapse. Emergency teams are working to locate a worker in his 50s who remains missing after the incident. Three other workers have been found safe, with one previously rescued from 30 metres underground. The challenging rescue efforts are being hampered by significant safety risks at the collapsed site.

"We will do our utmost to carry out the operation as swiftly as possible" - Local Fire Station Official
Gwangmyeong, April 13: Rescuers resumed operations Sunday to locate a worker who has been missing for over 48 hours following the collapse of a subway construction site in the city of Gwangmyeong, officials said.

Key Points

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Rescue teams resuming search for worker missing over 48 hours

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Sinansan Line construction site collapse damaged multiple buildings

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One worker already rescued from 30 metres underground

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Ongoing operation complicated by significant site hazards

The construction site for the Sinansan Line in Gwangmyeong, just south of Seoul, collapsed Friday, causing a section of the road above ground to cave in and damaging several buildings, Yonhap news agency reported.

Authorities restarted rescue work at 2:10 p.m. to find a worker in his 50s, who has been out of reach since the accident, as they had been forced to suspend operations Saturday due to safety concerns amid worsening weather conditions.

The man was one of five workers who were initially unreachable. But three of them were found safe, while another -- an excavator driver in his 20s -- was rescued 13 hours after the collapse some 30 metres underground.

The worker was presumed to be located 35 to 40 metres underground, but his exact location and condition remain unconfirmed.

"Due to numerous hazards at the scene, it is impossible to enter the lower section of the collapsed underground tunnel at this time," an official from the municipal fire station said.

"We will begin by removing safety fences around the site. We will do our utmost to carry out the operation as swiftly as possible," he added.

Reader Comments

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Jason L.
My heart goes out to the missing worker and his family. I can't imagine how terrifying this must be for them. Hope the rescue teams can reach him safely soon. 🙏
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Sarah K.
This is so heartbreaking. Construction workers put their lives at risk every day to build our infrastructure. We need better safety regulations to prevent these tragedies.
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Minho P.
As someone who works in construction, this hits close to home. The rescue teams are doing an amazing job under dangerous conditions. Let's all pray for a miracle.
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Alicia T.
While I appreciate the urgency, I hope they're not rushing the rescue at the expense of safety. The last thing we need is more casualties. Proper precautions are crucial.
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Daniel R.
The fact that they found the young excavator driver after 13 hours gives me hope! Don't give up on this man - modern rescue tech is amazing. #StayStrong
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Hyejin C.
I live near Gwangmyeong and saw the emergency vehicles. The scale of this accident is much bigger than reported. The community is really coming together to help.

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Tags:
South Korea Subway Collapse Gwangmyeong Construction Accident Rescue Operation Seoul Infrastructure
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