At least four workers were killed and six others were injured after the collapse of a bridge under construction on the Cheonan Highway, in western South Korea, authorities reported this Tuesday (02.25.2025).
The incident occurred around 9:49 a.m. local time (00:49 GMT) at a bridge under construction connecting the Ansan-Yongin section of the Seoul-Sejong Highway, when 50 meters of steel beams suddenly collapsed.
The workers were beneath the structure when it collapsed, leaving them trapped under the debris. Images from the South Korean news agency Yonhap showed how the metal structure crumbled in several stages.
The bridge was made up of steel beams installed on a deck supported by pillars. According to initial investigations, the accident happened when several slabs placed on a pier fell to the ground while another pillar was being installed with a crane.
Among the six injured, five are in critical condition, while one sustained minor injuries.
South Korea’s interim president, Choi Sang-mok, ordered the deployment of all available resources and personnel for the rescue operation, which concluded more than four hours after the accident.
The construction company Hyundai Engineering issued an apology, stating in a press release: “We are actively cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure a swift recovery of the site and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.”
The highway construction began on January 1 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
