A tragic event unfolded in Seoul’s Gangdong district on Monday evening when a large sinkhole, approximately 20 meters wide, caved in unexpectedly, leading to a devastating accident that claimed the life of a motorcyclist. The incident happened around 18:30 local time, as the man was riding his bike when the road beneath him gave way, plunging him into the depths below.
By Tuesday morning, at around 11:00 local time, rescuers had located his body about 50 meters from the point of the accident. Along with his remains, teams also discovered his mobile phone and motorcycle within the sinkhole. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was reported to be in his 30s. While the search was ongoing, another driver was also injured in the event, contributing to the outpouring of concern on South Korean social media.
Dashcam footage that has circulated widely appears to capture the moment of the collapse, showing the motorcyclist disappearing into the hole while a vehicle ahead narrowly escapes the disaster.
Kim Chang-seop, chief of the Gangdong fire station, revealed that the sinkhole contained about 2,000 tons of soil and water. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the sinkhole, but a recent report indicated that 223 similar sinkholes occurred in Seoul over the past decade, attributed to factors such as aging infrastructure, subsidence, and ongoing excavation work.
In light of this incident, there are renewed discussions about the need for improved infrastructure management in the city, as catastrophic incidents involving sinkholes are not uncommon. Several previous cases in different countries highlight the potential dangers associated with sinkholes, stemming from natural formations or human activities. Amid rising safety concerns, residents are calling for immediate action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
