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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] South Korean police and labor authorities have launched a joint investigation, including search and seizure operations, into a fatal collapse at an overpass demolition site in Seoul that left multiple casualties.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on May 29, authorities began raids at seven locations, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s infrastructure division, as well as headquarters and site offices of contractors and subcontractors involved in the demolition project.
A total of 53 personnel—including 33 police investigators and 20 labor inspectors—were deployed for the operation. Investigators aim to secure key documents such as structural design drawings and safety management plans to determine whether proper procedures were followed and whether adequate safety measures were implemented to prevent the collapse.
The accident occurred on May 26 in Seodaemun District, when part of an overpass under demolition collapsed, killing three workers and injuring three others.
Preliminary findings suggest that the victims had entered a narrow internal space supported by girders to inspect conditions when the structure gave way.
Authorities had previously conducted on-site forensic examinations in cooperation with the National Forensic Service and are reviewing CCTV footage and related documents submitted by the Seoul city government.
The investigation will focus on identifying potential violations of safety regulations and determining accountability among the parties involved.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
