One injured in collapse of four-story building in Seoul

By Lim Chang-won Posted : June 4, 2018, 09:19 Updated : June 4, 2018, 09:21

Firefighters dig through debris after a four-story building collapsed in Seoul.[Courtesy of Yongsan Fire Station]


SEOUL -- An old four-story building collapsed unexpectedly in a redevelopment area in Seoul, injuring one woman. Police heaved a sigh of relief as the collapse occurred when restaurants in the building built 52 years ago were closed on Sunday.

The injured woman surnamed Lee, 68, was the only one inside the building when it collapsed. There were no additional victims found in an operation by rescue workers who mobilized excavators, heavy equipment and sniffing dogs to dig through debris.

The restaurants located on the first and second floors were closed on Sunday. The third and fourth floors were homes for three households of four people, but all but Lee were out at that time.

Lee told fire officials that she rushed out of the building after feeling a sudden rocking movement. Near the entrance, the building collapsed.

Fire officials and investigators did not find any signs of an explosion. Tenants in the building said they had called for a safety check by district officials due to cracks and other warning signs of collapse. Authorities ordered the evacuation of three nearby buildings, citing concerns of a possible collapse.

This story was contributed by Jazin Wee, an editorial assistant.

 
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