What Happened in South Korea: One Fatality, Four Missing After Power Plant Collapse?
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Synopsis
In a heart-wrenching accident in Ulsan, South Korea, a boiler tower collapse at a thermal power plant has led to one confirmed death and fears for four others. As rescue operations continue, the incident raises concerns about safety in industrial settings. Read on for the latest updates on this tragic event.
Key Takeaways
- One worker confirmed dead and four others feared deceased in Ulsan boiler tower collapse.
- Rescue operations continue as two workers remain unaccounted for.
- The tower was in the process of being dismantled when the incident occurred.
- Firefighters faced significant challenges in reaching the site of the collapse.
- This tragic event raises questions about industrial safety protocols.
Ulsan, Nov 7 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred on Friday when one worker was confirmed dead and four others are feared deceased after being found beneath a collapsed boiler tower at a thermal power facility in the southeastern city of Ulsan. Additionally, two individuals remain unaccounted for, according to firefighting officials.
The collapse took place at the Ulsan facility of Korea East-West Power Co., a state-operated utility provider, the day before, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
On Friday, one worker was declared dead, while the other four are presumed to have lost their lives, as stated by firefighting representatives. Among these, one individual was transported to a hospital, and efforts to extract the remaining three are ongoing.
The precise whereabouts of the two unaccounted workers are still unclear.
Initially, reports indicated that nine workers were trapped, but two were rescued shortly after.
The deceased, aged 44, was pronounced dead around 5 a.m. after suffering a cardiac arrest during rescue operations, according to Kim Jeong-sik, an official from the Ulsan Nambu fire station.
"A rescue worker administered pain relief and attempted to keep him warm, but sadly, he did not survive," Kim mentioned, adding that the other worker seen with him is also presumed dead and difficult to retrieve.
Firefighters faced a challenging task, working through approximately 30 meters of steel and debris to access the collapse site.
The tower, standing at 60 meters, was reportedly undergoing dismantling using explosives at the time of the incident. All trapped individuals are believed to have been employees of a subcontracting company.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in industrial safety. This tragic incident underlines the need for rigorous safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future. Our thoughts are with the families affected during this challenging time.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the boiler tower collapse in Ulsan?
The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation, but the boiler tower was reportedly undergoing dismantling using explosives at the time.
How many workers were affected by the collapse?
Initially, nine workers were reported trapped, with one confirmed dead, four presumed dead, and two unaccounted for.
What actions are being taken for the rescue?
Rescue operations are ongoing, with firefighters working through debris to locate and extract the trapped workers.
Who operates the power plant in Ulsan?
The power plant is operated by Korea East-West Power Co., which is a state-run utility company.
What safety measures are in place at power plants?
Power plants typically have safety protocols and regulations, but this incident highlights the need for stringent enforcement and review of safety measures.
