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Subway Tunnel Collapse in South Korea Leaves Two Workers Trapped
Gwangmyeong, South Korea — A major rescue operation is underway after a subway tunnel under construction in Gwangmyeong suddenly collapsed on Thursday afternoon, trapping two workers underground and damaging nearby infrastructure.
The incident happened on April 11, 2025, around 3:13 p.m. local time, near the Yangji Intersection, where crews were reinforcing parts of the Sinansan Line, a new subway line being built to connect Seoul with nearby cities.
Cracks Detected Before Collapse
Earlier in the day, workers and engineers noticed troubling cracks forming in several support pillars inside the tunnel. In response, construction managers halted operations and evacuated most of the site. Authorities also closed nearby roads as a precaution.
However, just hours later, the tunnel gave way during reinforcement work. The collapse caused a portion of the road above to sink and left behind a large crater. Several nearby buildings suffered structural damage, adding to concerns about the safety of the surrounding area.
Two Workers Still Underground
Two workers were trapped beneath the debris when the tunnel collapsed. One of them, believed to be an excavator operator, has not been located. The other worker was identified and found trapped but alive, and emergency crews are now working carefully to reach him.
The rescue operation is delicate due to the risk of further cave-ins. Over 55 emergency personnel and 18 vehicles have been dispatched to the scene. Heavy equipment is being used to remove debris, but rescuers are proceeding cautiously to prevent more instability in the tunnel.
Evacuations Ordered, Roads Closed
As a safety measure, the Gwangmyeong city government issued an evacuation alert to nearby residents and businesses. Roads in the area remain closed, and officials are monitoring the site closely for signs of additional structural issues.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched an investigation into the collapse and whether proper safety procedures were followed. Experts are also checking the rest of the tunnel for signs of weakness.
Public Concern Over Construction Safety
This incident comes just weeks after a separate tunnel collapse in Seoul, which also raised alarm about the safety of South Korea’s expanding subway system. Many in the country are now questioning whether construction companies are properly following safety standards on large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Sinansan Line, once completed, is expected to improve public transportation across the Seoul metropolitan area. However, delays are now expected as safety audits and inspections are carried out.
