Incident Overview
On February 25, 2025, a catastrophic bridge collapse at a construction site in Anseong, South Korea, resulted in the deaths of four workers and left six others injured. The accident occurred at approximately 9:49 a.m. local time during the construction of a highway bridge intended to connect the Seoul-Sejong Expressway. The structure gave way, causing five 50-meter steel support sections to collapse sequentially.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Among the deceased were two South Korean nationals and two Chinese nationals. Of the six injured, five are reported to be in critical condition, while one sustained minor injuries. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, involving nearly 150 personnel and three helicopters. Authorities are continuing to search the site to ensure no individuals remain trapped under the debris.
Eyewitness Accounts and Footage
Dashcam footage from a vehicle near the site captured the harrowing moment of the collapse. The video shows the bridge’s connecting sections suddenly plummeting to the ground, enveloping the area in dust and debris. The vehicle recording the incident narrowly avoided being caught beneath the falling structure.
Official Response and Investigation
Hyundai Engineering, the primary contractor for the project, has issued a public apology and is fully cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the collapse. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for the mobilization of all available resources to assist in rescue efforts and to implement stringent safety measures to prevent future incidents. The Transport Ministry has also dispatched a team of officials to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation.
Historical Context
This tragedy is reminiscent of past infrastructure failures in South Korea, notably the Seongsu Bridge disaster in 1994, where a section of the bridge collapsed due to structural deficiencies, resulting in 32 fatalities. Such incidents underscore the critical importance of rigorous safety standards and regular maintenance in construction projects to safeguard public safety.
