Tragedy Unfolds in Gwangmyeong

In a shocking incident on Friday, a subway tunnel under construction in Gwangmyeong, just south of Seoul, experienced a catastrophic collapse. This alarming event has left one worker missing and another trapped amid the rubble, according to reports from South Korea's national fire agency.

Warning Signs Ignored?

Prior to the collapse, officials had received warnings about an unstable ventilation shaft and cracks in the tunnel's supporting pillars. Despite these alarming reports, it's unclear if any workers returned to the site after safety protocols were initiated, halting construction and traffic.

A Grim History of Construction Hazards

This incident is particularly distressing for South Korea, which recently witnessed another tragedy when a highway bridge under construction collapsed less than six weeks ago, claiming four lives and injuring six more. As the country grapples with these safety concerns, many are questioning the oversight in construction practices.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue teams are actively working to locate and extricate the trapped workers, racing against time as the clock ticks on their survival. The unfolding situation has drawn significant attention from the media and authorities alike, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced safety measures in construction sites across the nation.