Overpass Collapse in Seoul Leaves 3 Dead, 3 Injured; Experts Question Safety Protocols

A collapse at a bridge demolition site in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, yesterday resulted in 3 deaths and 3 injuries, causing significant traffic and rail disruptions. Experts are questioning why workers were allowed to enter for safety inspections when the bridge had already shown signs of sinking, noting a complete lack of safety guidelines for such inspections. Reports indicate that 'danger signals' appeared 12 hours before the collapse. Had the site been reinforced or restricted after the 2.9cm sinking was detected, the accident might have been avoided. Experts expressed regret that workers were sent onto a structure nearing collapse. A former demolition supervisor noted that after cutting main structures, they should be immediately lowered or fixed, but photos suggest they were left unsecured. Choi Myung-ki of the Korea Industrial Site Expert Group pointed out that the 60-year-old materials had significantly reduced load-bearing capacity, and criticized the total absence of safety manuals for inspection personnel. The demolition was restricted to a 3-hour window at night when trains were not running, which may have led to rushed and unsafe construction practices.