A sinkhole (ground collapse) occurred at an intersection near Daemyeong Elementary School in Gangdong-gu, Seoul.
Mr. A, who operates a gas station near the accident site, reported that cracks had appeared on the gas station floor and was concerned that the underground tank might also be affected. He filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Gangdong District Office in early March, but no improvements were made.
At the time of the report, small holes near the sewer and cracks on the ground were observed on the road.
Approximately an hour after the restoration work, at around 6:29 PM, a sinkhole with a diameter of about 20 meters and a depth of 30 meters formed right next to the sewer on the road.
Due to this accident, a woman in her 40s who was driving a van on the road was transported to the hospital, and a motorcyclist is believed to be buried. Rescue operations are currently underway.
About 12 hours have passed since the accident, and the sinkhole has been filled with approximately 2,000 tons of water mixed with soil due to leakage, making rescue efforts difficult.
The Gangdong District Office in Seoul stated that they are investigating whether the sinkhole was caused by subway construction.
At a field briefing on the afternoon of the 25th at 1:00 PM, the Fire Administration Chief of the Gangdong Fire Station in Seoul stated that the man in his 30s, who had been buried, was found in a state of cardiac arrest at 11:22 AM today. He added, “May he rest in peace.”
