What Happened in South Korea's Power Plant Collapse?
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Synopsis
In a heart-wrenching incident, three workers have tragically lost their lives due to a boiler tower collapse at a power plant in Ulsan, South Korea. As rescue efforts continue for the missing workers, the investigation into safety practices and operational protocols will be crucial to prevent future tragedies.
Key Takeaways
- Three workers have died in the collapse of a boiler tower at a thermal power plant in Ulsan.
- Rescue operations are ongoing for two missing individuals, feared dead.
- The incident raises serious questions about safety measures during the demolition process.
- An investigation by the labor ministry is set to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
- The tower was built in 1981 and was being decommissioned at the time of the accident.
Ulsan, Nov 7 (NationPress) Tragic news emerges from the southeastern city of Ulsan, where three workers have lost their lives and two others are feared dead following the collapse of a boiler tower at a thermal power plant. Firefighting officials confirmed that two individuals were found under the rubble on Friday, while two more remain unaccounted for.
The incident occurred at the Ulsan branch of Korea East-West Power Co, a state-owned utility, with the boiler tower collapsing just a day prior. Firefighters reported that two workers were pronounced dead after being retrieved from the wreckage, increasing the total fatalities to three. Earlier, one worker had already been declared dead while still trapped.
Rescue operations for the remaining two individuals are ongoing, although both are believed to be deceased. Their precise locations have yet to be determined.
Initially, nine workers were reported trapped, but two were successfully rescued early in the operation. Among the deceased was a 44-year-old man who succumbed to cardiac arrest during the rescue attempts, as confirmed by Kim Jeong-sik from the Ulsan Nambu fire station.
"Despite efforts to administer pain relief and keep him warm, he ultimately lost his life," Kim stated.
Firefighters faced significant challenges, having to navigate through approximately 30 meters of steel and debris to access the collapse site. The tower, constructed in 1981, stood at 60 meters tall and was in the process of being decommissioned after ceasing operations in 2021.
The accident occurred while subcontracted workers were dismantling the structure by cutting steel supports, aimed at facilitating its collapse during a demolition operation. Experts suggest that an uneven load may have caused the tower to fall unexpectedly.
The investigation will focus on whether adequate safety measures were implemented, such as the use of supportive wiring for the tower. The labor ministry has announced plans to conduct searches and seizures to uncover the cause of this devastating incident.
Point of View
It is essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and a dedication to uncovering the truth. The loss of life is a significant concern, and we must advocate for rigorous investigations to ensure safety measures are enhanced in the future. The Nation stands with the affected families during this challenging time.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the tower collapse in Ulsan?
The collapse is believed to have occurred while contractors were dismantling the structure, potentially due to an uneven load.
How many workers were affected by the incident?
Initially, nine workers were reported trapped, with three confirmed dead and two others feared dead.
What safety measures were in place at the site?
The investigation will focus on whether adequate safety measures, such as supporting wires, were utilized during the demolition process.
Who is conducting the investigation?
The labor ministry plans to conduct searches and seizures as part of the investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
When did the incident occur?
The boiler tower collapsed on November 6, with rescue efforts continuing into November 7.
