A motorcyclist tragically lost his life after being swallowed by a large sinkhole in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday. The incident occurred at an intersection in the Myeongil-dong district, where the sinkhole, measuring approximately 20 metres in both width and depth, opened unexpectedly. Alongside the motorcyclist, a woman driving a van was injured while passing over the site but did not fall into the hole.
Emergency services conducted an extensive search through the night, ultimately locating the body of the man, believed to be in his 30s, around noon on Tuesday. Kim Chang Seob, an emergency officer, confirmed that rescuers found the man wearing protective gear, including a helmet and motorcycle boots, and discovered his damaged motorcycle and mobile phone in proximity to his body.
Search teams used excavators, shovels, and other equipment to facilitate the recovery effort. The cause of the sinkhole’s formation remains under investigation, with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visiting the site to demand clarity on the reasons behind the incident and to ensure measures are put in place to prevent future occurrences.
This tragic event underscores the potential dangers of urban infrastructure, and officials are calling for thorough assessments to enhance safety measures in the area.