Park Sang-woo, Minister of Land, Visits Gwangmyeong Sinansan Line Collapse Site: "Full Effort on Rescue Operations"

At the site of the Shinansan Line double-track railway private investment project in Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi Province, where a tunnel collapse accident occurred, Park Sang-woo, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, visited the site on the afternoon of the 11th to inspect the accident response situation, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced.

Minister Park visited the site around 6 p.m. that day and received a report on the accident progress and confirmed the response situation from related organizations including the project operator, the Fire Agency, and the Korea Rail Network Authority.

Minister Park said, "No situation can be an exception when it comes to the lives and safety of the people," and instructed, "Prioritize human rescue and mobilize all capabilities."

Park Sang-woo, Minister of Land, Visits Gwangmyeong Sinansan Line Collapse Site: "Full Effort on Rescue Operations"

On the 11th, rescue workers are busily moving at the site of the Sinansan Line construction collapse accident in Iljik-dong, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

He also urged thorough pre-inspection and proactive measures in preparation for worsening weather. Minister Park emphasized, "Since residents of nearby apartments are undergoing emergency evacuation, promptly verify the safety of the structures and maintain the response system among related organizations to prevent further damage."

This accident began around 10 p.m. on the 10th when structural cracks were confirmed inside the tunnel under construction. On-site personnel immediately evacuated, and the upper road was closed from 1 a.m. on the 11th. However, at 3:13 p.m. on the same day, the tunnel collapsed, causing the road above to collapse as well.

So far, it is estimated that two people are buried. Among them, one person is missing, and one is trapped inside the tunnel.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport activated the accident response headquarters from 5 p.m. on the 11th and is making every effort in rescue operations together with the fire department, police, Korea Rail Network Authority, and local governments. Nearby apartment residents were evacuated to eight shelters including schools and gymnasiums prepared by Gwangmyeong City and Gyeonggi Province, and relief supplies are being provided by the province and city.