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Gwangju Library Construction Collapse Leaves 2 Dead, 2 Missing as Overnight Rescue Continues

Officials cite a likely failure during concrete pouring pending a formal probe after recovery.

Overview

  • Steel structure collapsed at 1:58 p.m. Thursday at the City Main Library Gwangju site in Seo-gu, trapping four of about 97 workers.
  • A 47-year-old rescued in cardiac arrest was later pronounced dead, and a second worker recovered at 8:13 p.m. was declared dead at the site.
  • Two workers remain unaccounted for as crews stabilize debris with cranes and search using thermographic cameras, rescue dogs and detection devices.
  • Fire officials say the failure appeared to occur during a ready-mixed concrete pour, with a site official reporting no intermediate supports between the second-floor roof and the first floor.
  • The city-commissioned, 51.6 billion-won project employs subcontractor technicians among the victims, and authorities plan a formal investigation after recovery operations.