Ulsan Power Plant Collapse: Deaths Confirmed Despite Overnight Search, Difficulties in Locating Trapped Workers

One of the trapped workers confirmed dead, another presumed dead
Status and location of remaining five unknown
Search operations underway with various fire equipment and rescue dogs
Government mobilizes rapid rescue and response system for further accidents

One of the workers buried in the collapse of a facility at the Ulsan Power Headquarters of Korea East-West Power has died. Of the total seven people trapped, another is also presumed dead. The location and condition of the remaining five have not yet been confirmed.

According to fire authorities on the 7th, following the collapse that occurred at around 2 p.m. the previous day, search operations continued into the early morning, utilizing various equipment such as acoustic detectors, thermal imaging cameras, endoscopes, as well as rescue dogs.

On the afternoon of the 6th, search operations continued at the boiler tower collapse accident site at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant of Korea East-West Power in Yongjam-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan. Two people were rescued, and seven were buried in the accident. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

However, it has been confirmed that two of the seven people buried have died. Kim Jeongsik, Head of the Fire Prevention and Safety Division at Ulsan Nambu Fire Station, stated in a briefing at dawn, "The rescue target (aged 44), who was conscious yesterday, went into cardiac arrest during the rescue and was pronounced dead at 4:53 a.m. today." This victim was found with his arm trapped between debris and the ground about an hour after the accident occurred. The cause of death is presumed to be septic thrombosis due to a blood clot, electrolyte imbalance, and internal bleeding caused by abdominal and thoracic injuries.

Another person whose location had been identified is also reported to have died. The identity of this presumed deceased individual has not yet been confirmed. For the remaining five, neither their survival nor their location has been determined. Fire authorities attempted to contact the remaining trapped workers by phone, but there has been no response.

The collapse site is blocked by debris such as rebar, requiring rescue teams to dig in about 30 meters, making operations difficult. Furthermore, after the only individual showing signs of life was pronounced dead, rescuers, who had been risking further collapse, temporarily withdrew from the site.

Fire authorities believe that Units 4 and 6, which stand on either side of the already-collapsed Unit 5 boiler tower at Ulsan Thermal Power Plant, are also at risk of further collapse. As a result, plans for stabilization work to prepare for demolition of these facilities have been put on hold. Kim added, "We need to install equipment such as small cranes to stabilize the structure, but even that has been suspended due to the risk of vibration," and explained, "We will discuss with structural experts to establish a future rescue plan."

The government has also made rescue operations the top priority, with President Lee Jaemyung, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, and Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojoong directly issuing instructions. President Lee called for swift rescue efforts and prevention of secondary accidents, while Prime Minister Kim ordered the mobilization of all personnel and equipment from the fire department and related agencies to rescue the trapped workers. Minister Yoon immediately dispatched ministry officials to the scene.

The Central Accident Response Headquarters, co-headed by Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon and Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sunghwan, has begun discussions on support for the victims. At the meeting, practical support for victims and trauma treatment measures for witnesses were discussed.

Some have pointed out that adequate safety measures were not taken during the demolition preparation process. There are claims that the response system for vulnerable areas was insufficient during the cutting and dismantling of key structural components and equipment. This aspect will be further investigated by the police and other authorities in the future.