Ulsan: Tragedy struck the southeastern industrial city of Ulsan after a major structural collapse at a decommissioned power plant operated by Korea East-West Power left multiple workers dead and several others missing. Rescue officials on Sunday confirmed the recovery of a third body from the debris as search and recovery operations entered their fourth day.
The accident occurred last Thursday when a large steel framework at the former heating facility gave way during demolition work. The structure, part of the plant’s old infrastructure, collapsed suddenly, trapping several workers beneath tons of twisted metal. Initial reports indicated that at least six workers were on-site at the time of the collapse. While three bodies have now been pulled from the rubble, at least two people remain unaccounted for.
Emergency teams, including specialized rescue units and firefighters, have been working tirelessly at the scene. However, authorities say the unstable condition of the remaining structure has severely hampered progress. Engineers have been called in to assess safety conditions as crews use drones, heat-sensing devices, and rescue dogs to locate possible survivors without triggering further collapses.
The Korea East-West Power Company, which operates several large energy plants across the country, confirmed that the collapsed section was undergoing dismantling as part of a broader decommissioning process. Officials have yet to identify the exact cause of the collapse but have stated that a full investigation will be launched to determine whether safety protocols were adequately followed.
Photographs and videos released by local media show the wreckage of massive steel beams and crushed machinery spread across the site. Emergency responders in protective gear can be seen navigating the treacherous terrain, highlighting the complexity and risk of the operation.
South Korean authorities have come under growing scrutiny in recent years over industrial safety lapses. This latest tragedy has reignited public concern about workplace safety standards, especially during high-risk demolition or construction operations. The Ministry of Employment and Labor is expected to conduct an inquiry into the company’s safety record and evaluate whether oversight procedures were sufficient.
Local officials have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised accountability. “Our first priority is to recover all missing workers and ensure no further lives are lost,” a spokesperson for the Ulsan Fire Department said. “We are coordinating with experts to stabilize the site and continue the search as safely as possible.”
The Ulsan collapse underscores the lingering dangers of industrial demolition work and the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations in an industry often driven by tight deadlines and financial pressure. As rescue operations continue, South Korea once again faces the painful reminder that progress must never come at the cost of human life.