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Seoul Overpass Collapse Kills Three During Demolition

Joint forensic and criminal probes have been launched as major train services are suspended pending recovery and safety checks.

Overview

  • The collapse that struck the Seosomun Overpass on Tuesday killed three workers and injured three others when a section of the deck gave way during demolition work.
  • Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordered full mobilization of rescue teams and fire authorities declared a Level 1 emergency as crews freed survivors and secured the scene.
  • Debris struck overhead catenary lines between Seoul Station and Sinchon, causing a power outage that led Korail to suspend or reroute more than 120 KTX high‑speed services and halt local commuter links.
  • Police formed a roughly 50‑member investigative team and prosecutors set up a special four‑prosecutor, six‑investigator unit after joint overnight forensic inspections with the National Forensic Service and labor safety officials.
  • The overpass was built in 1966 and had been under demolition since August 2025 with completion expected in early June 2026, and officials say restoration work and safety checks will determine when trains and roads can fully reopen and whether criminal charges will follow.