Police raid Seoul city offices over deadly overpass collapse

Seoul police initiated a significant investigation on May 29, conducting searches at seven locations including the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters and the offices of the construction companies responsible for the demolition of the Seosomun overpass. The operation involves 53 personnel, including 33 from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Major Crimes Unit and 20 labor supervisors from the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office.

The investigation aims to thoroughly analyze the seized materials to precisely determine the cause and identify those responsible for the overpass collapse. The police have pledged to conduct a rigorous inquiry into the incident.

The tragic collapse occurred on May 26 around 2:30 p.m., when a section of the Seosomun overpass in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, gave way. The accident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to three others. Initial assessments by the Seoul Metropolitan Government suggest the victims, including the site manager, were inspecting the overpass's interior when a girder collapsed.

According to the city's preliminary findings, the deceased were inside a narrow space, approximately 80 centimeters high, situated between a slab and suspended scaffolding, which was supported by a girder. It is believed that the girder's collapse led to the fatal accident while they were conducting their inspection.