Seoul, South Korea – A motorcyclist who vanished into a massive sinkhole that suddenly opened on a busy Seoul street has been found dead following an intensive overnight search, city officials confirmed Tuesday. The dramatic incident unfolded Monday afternoon in the Myeongil-dong neighborhood of eastern Seoul, where a 20-meter-wide, 20-meter-deep chasm swallowed the rider and disrupted traffic at a bustling intersection.
The victim, a man in his 30s, was located before noon on Tuesday, according to emergency officer Kim Chang Seob, who briefed reporters on live television. Kim detailed the grueling rescue effort, noting that workers recovered the man’s Japanese-made motorcycle and mobile phone before reaching his body. Clad in a helmet and motorcycle boots, the motorcyclist was buried beneath the debris of the collapse. Rescuers employed excavators, shovels, and other heavy equipment to navigate the unstable site and retrieve him.
The sinkhole also impacted a passing van, slightly injuring its female driver. Kim clarified that the woman did not fall into the abyss and sustained only minor injuries, escaping a more severe fate. Emergency and safety officials have yet to determine the precise cause of the sinkhole, with an investigation now underway to uncover what triggered the ground to give way so catastrophically.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the scene Monday night, pressing authorities to expedite their probe into the incident’s origins and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The sudden collapse has raised concerns about urban infrastructure safety in the capital, a city of nearly 10 million known for its dense streets and towering skyline. As officials work to stabilize the area, residents and experts alike await answers on how such a disaster struck without warning.
Key Points: Motorcyclist Found Dead in Seoul Sinkhole
- Incident: A motorcyclist fell into a 20-meter-wide, 20-meter-deep sinkhole that opened Monday afternoon at an intersection in Myeongil-dong, eastern Seoul.
- Outcome: The man, in his 30s, was found dead Tuesday before noon after an overnight search, confirmed by emergency officer Kim Chang Seob.
- Rescue Details: Found wearing a helmet and boots, his Japanese-made motorcycle and phone were recovered first; excavators and shovels were used in the effort.
- Additional Impact: A woman driving a van over the site sustained minor injuries but did not fall into the sinkhole.
- Investigation: The cause of the sinkhole remains under review by Seoul authorities.
- Official Response: Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited Monday night, urging a swift investigation and preventive measures.
