At least three people have died, and six others were injured following a tragic collapse at a highway construction site in Anseong, South Korea, on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 9:49 a.m. local time (0049 GMT), approximately 70 kilometres south of Seoul, when multiple steel structures supporting the bridge gave way.
According to the National Fire Agency, five 50-metre (164-foot) steel structures collapsed in succession after being hoisted into place by a crane. The accident left five of the injured in critical condition, while authorities continued searching for another individual believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Dramatic footage aired by broadcaster YTN captured the moment a section of the towering bridge gave way, sending debris crashing down. Rescue workers were later seen carefully navigating twisted metal struts and fractured concrete slabs in an urgent effort to locate survivors.
In response to the disaster, Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an immediate mobilisation of all available personnel and resources to aid the rescue operation and ensure safety measures to prevent further damage. The Transport Ministry has also dispatched a team of officials to investigate the site.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the collapse, and further investigations are expected as emergency responders work tirelessly at the scene.
Melissa Enoch
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