Rescue workers save man from deadly subway tunnel collapse in South Korea
- On April 11, 2025, a subway tunnel under construction near Seoul collapsed, trapping two workers.
- Rescue teams mobilized immediately and by April 12, they rescued one worker who was trapped for 13 hours.
- Authorities continue to search for the second worker, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in construction.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, a subway tunnel under construction in Gwangmyeong, just south of Seoul, collapsed, resulting in two workers being presumed trapped. The incident prompted an immediate response from the National Fire Agency, which coordinated the mobilization of 55 rescue workers and 18 vehicles to the site for rescue efforts. Early reports indicated that a ventilation shaft at the construction site was at risk of collapsing, leading local officials to withdraw remaining workers and halt traffic in the vicinity as a precautionary measure. Despite the immediate reaction, it remained uncertain if any of the workers had re-entered the site before the collapse occurred. By Saturday, April 12, South Korean rescue teams successfully extracted one worker who had been trapped approximately 30 meters (98 feet) underground for about 13 hours. Im Gwang-sik, an official with the Gwangmyeong fire department, reported that the rescued man was conscious when found and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Efforts were ongoing as rescue teams continued to search for the second worker who remained unaccounted for. The situation highlighted the key safety risks associated with construction projects and raised concerns among local authorities regarding worker safety protocols. The collapse and rescue operation raised significant public concern over construction safety standards in South Korea, especially given the rapid urban development in the area. As one of the many infrastructure projects undertaken to improve public transport systems, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and dangers that workers face on the job. The swift mobilization of resources signifies a commitment to protecting lives and investigating potential causes for the collapse. Local government officials promised thorough inspections and reviews of safety measures for construction sites to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.