Rescue teams in Seoul have reported the recovery of a man’s body after he fell into a massive sinkhole that appeared unexpectedly in the Gangdong district. The accident, which occurred around 6:30 PM local time on Monday, was captured on dashcam footage that has spread widely across South Korean social media platforms. The video shows the motorcycle rider plummeting into the 20-meter-wide sinkhole as a car narrowly avoids the sudden collapse.
According to local fire department officials, the motorcyclist’s body was located approximately 50 meters from the original collapse site on Tuesday morning around 11 AM. Alongside the body, rescuers discovered a mobile phone and the submerged motorcycle in the deep pit, which holds an estimated 2,000 tons of soil and water.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the sinkhole, which has left one car driver injured in addition to the fatality. Reports indicate that Seoul has experienced 223 sinkhole incidents over the past decade, raising concerns regarding the city’s infrastructure. History has shown that sinkholes can develop gradually or appear suddenly, often exacerbated by human activities such as excavation. Geologists note that one prevalent cause of sinkholes is erosion of limestone or chalk layers beneath the surface, leading to hazardous collapses.
Similar incidents have occurred across Asia, highlighting the need for improved awareness and preventive strategies against such natural disasters in urban areas.
According to local fire department officials, the motorcyclist’s body was located approximately 50 meters from the original collapse site on Tuesday morning around 11 AM. Alongside the body, rescuers discovered a mobile phone and the submerged motorcycle in the deep pit, which holds an estimated 2,000 tons of soil and water.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the sinkhole, which has left one car driver injured in addition to the fatality. Reports indicate that Seoul has experienced 223 sinkhole incidents over the past decade, raising concerns regarding the city’s infrastructure. History has shown that sinkholes can develop gradually or appear suddenly, often exacerbated by human activities such as excavation. Geologists note that one prevalent cause of sinkholes is erosion of limestone or chalk layers beneath the surface, leading to hazardous collapses.
Similar incidents have occurred across Asia, highlighting the need for improved awareness and preventive strategies against such natural disasters in urban areas.
