Seoul Overpass Demolition to Resume Under Strict Safety Conditions After Fatal Collapse

Demolition work on Seoul's Seosomun overpass, which collapsed on May 26 killing three workers and injuring three others, is set to resume after the Ministry of Employment and Labor granted conditional approval. The Seoul Western District Labor Office's committee approved Seoul City's demolition plan on Thursday evening, allowing the restart of work on the girder structure.

"We have approved the resumption of demolition work up to the slab of the girder structure," a Ministry official stated, adding that the approval came with the condition of accompanying worker safety measures. Seoul City had submitted its demolition plan to the ministry the previous day and provided supplementary plans after initial feedback indicated a need for revisions.

The incident occurred early on May 26 when a slab of the overpass began to sink during cutting operations. While workers stopped work and safety inspections were underway later that day, a portion of the slab collapsed, leading to the casualties. The restart of demolition is planned for Thursday evening, with Seoul City aiming to proceed with the work.

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We have approved the resumption of demolition work up to the slab of the girder structure, with the condition of accompanying worker safety measures.