At least four individuals have died and six were injured following the collapse of a highway construction site located south of the South Korean capital, Seoul, according to fire authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 9:49 a.m. (0049 GMT) in Anseong, which is roughly 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) from Seoul. The Yonhap News Agency reports that five 50-meter (164 ft) concrete structures supporting the highway bridge collapsed sequentially after being lifted into place by a crane.

The deceased include two Chinese nationals, with the injured totaling five individuals, including one Chinese citizen. A fire official stated the victims were working to install a deck on the bridge and all of them were on the deck before the structure collapsed.

Broadcaster YTN aired footage capturing the towering bridge’s deck collapse. On-site rescue workers have been inspecting the twisted metal struts and fractured concrete slab remnants below the bridge columns.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has commanded the mobilization of all available personnel and resources for rescue operations and to enforce safety measures. Officials state that three helicopters, nearly 150 personnel, and a team from the Transport Ministry have been dispatched to the scene.

In South Korea, industrial site accidents, which include recent incidents at a hotel construction site in Busan and a lithium battery factory fire, have been a persistent issue. In an effort to combat these, a law was introduced in 2022 to address workplace safety and ensure accountability for company management following worker fatalities.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/least-four-dead-south-korea-highway-construction-project-collapse