Search Hampered as Concrete Hardens
Debris Removal and Site Stabilization Underway
Both Workers Rescued the Previous Day Found Dead
Fire Department: "All Available Equipment Deployed"
On the afternoon of the 11th, nighttime rescue operations are underway at the site of the collapse accident at the Gwangju Representative Library construction site in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News
After the collapse accident at the Gwangju Representative Library construction site, rescue authorities continued their search operations throughout the night, but as of the morning of December 12, the whereabouts of the two workers who remained trapped had not been confirmed.
According to the Gwangju Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, rescue teams began nighttime search operations immediately after the accident, simultaneously working to remove debris and stabilize the site. However, as of 5 a.m. that day, no clues had been found regarding the location of the trapped workers. Of the four people buried in the accident, two were recovered from the site the previous day, but both were found dead. The other two remain unaccounted for.
On the afternoon of the 11th, fire authorities are conducting rescue operations for buried victims at the collapse site of the library construction in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News
The accident occurred at 1:58 p.m. the previous day at the site of the former Sangmu Incineration Plant in Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, when a structure collapsed during the pouring of concrete on the roof (second floor) of the Gwangju Representative Library. Authorities believe that the concrete and steel structures collapsed in succession, reaching the basement levels.
Rescue teams, considering the risk of further collapse, are using equipment such as thermal imaging cameras to expand their search for the trapped workers while simultaneously cutting and removing debris. However, as time passes, the concrete mixed with debris is hardening, making search and access increasingly difficult.
A fire department official stated, "We are continuing the search throughout the night, but the location of the trapped workers has not yet been identified," adding, "We are doing our utmost to carry out the rescue by mobilizing all available equipment and personnel."
On the afternoon of the 11th, fire authorities are conducting rescue operations for buried victims at the collapsed construction site of a library in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News
Funeral altars have been set up at funeral homes in Gwangju for the two victims who were recovered the previous day.
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