Emergency dismantling work takes place at the site of the Seosomun Overpass collapse in Seoul, South Korea, 29 May 2026. Three people were killed, and three others were injured when the structure partially gave way during a safety inspection on 26 May 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
May 29 (Asia Today) -- Police launched a compulsory investigation Friday into the collapse of the Seosomun overpass in Seoul that killed three people, raiding city offices and construction companies involved in the demolition project.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Major Crimes Investigation Unit said it began search and seizure operations at about 9 a.m. at seven locations, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters, the headquarters of the main contractor and subcontractors and the construction site office.
A total of 53 people were mobilized for the raids, including 33 officers from the police unit and 20 labor inspectors from the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office.
Police plan to secure construction-related records, safety management documents and work logs to determine whether the demolition process followed required procedures and whether safety measures were properly implemented.
