Rescue members search for missing workers after a bridge collapsed at an expressway construction site in Anseong on February 25, 2025. Two people were killed and seven injured after a bridge collapsed at an expressway construction site in South Korea on February 25, authorities said. (Photo by YONHAP / AFP) / - South Korea OUT / NO USE AFTER MARCH 7, 2025 06:02:36 GMT - - SOUTH KOREA OUT / NO ARCHIVES - RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE
A bridge collapsed at an expressway construction site in South Korea on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including two Chinese nationals, and leaving six others injured, according to officials.
Dramatic footage broadcasted by local media captured the moment a section of the bridge fell, releasing a large cloud of dust into the air.
The National Fire Agency reported that among the deceased, two were Chinese nationals and two were South Koreans. Of the six injured, five sustained serious injuries while one person suffered only minor injuries.
The tragic incident occurred around 9:50 AM (0050 GMT) in Anseong, approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Fire Agency indicated that all injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at hospitals.
Initially, the agency mistakenly reported that the collapse happened in the city of Cheonan but later corrected this information.
Hyundai Engineering, the primary contractor at the construction site, expressed deep remorse for the tragedy and stated that it is cooperating with authorities in the investigation. “We sincerely bow our heads in apology to those who lost their lives and to those injured in this accident at our construction site,” the company said. “We are actively working with the relevant authorities to ensure a prompt resolution at the site and to identify the cause of the accident.”
In response to the disaster, Acting President Choi Sang-mok issued urgent directives to deploy all available resources and personnel for rescue efforts.
According to data from Seoul’s Labour Ministry, there were over 8,000 work-related fatalities in South Korea between 2020 and 2023.
