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Seoul Police Raid City Offices After Deadly Seosomun Overpass Collapse

Investigators are reviewing seized design and safety records to determine whether demolition protocols failed, which could lead to criminal and regulatory charges.

Overview

  • A section of the Seosomun Overpass collapsed during a safety inspection on Tuesday, killing three workers and injuring three others.
  • Police and labor inspectors carried out search-and-seizure operations at seven sites to collect structural drawings, safety management plans and work logs, deploying 53 investigators in total.
  • Emergency demolition of the remaining upper structure was completed on May 29 and Korail finished repairs and safety checks so train services returned to full operation over the weekend.
  • Authorities are examining whether the demolition followed approved procedures and are considering charges including professional negligence resulting in death and violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
  • The 335-meter overpass was built in 1966 and had been under demolition since August as part of a program to remove aging infrastructure, raising questions about contractor practices and city oversight that could prompt tighter enforcement or new safety reviews.