At 2:02 PM on Wednesday, a 60-meter-high boiler tower suddenly collapsed at the headquarters of the Ulsan Power Plant, operated by Korea East-West Power. The structure was part of an old generating unit in the process of being demolished after three decades of service.
Demolition and emergency deployment after boiler collapse
Since last month, a company specializing in blasting had begun dismantling deteriorated structures. dismantling of deteriorated structures. At the time of the collapse, several workers affiliated with a subcontractor were inside or near the base of the tower.
Authorities mobilized more than 110 personnel, including 50 firefighters and 60 police officers. The operation has 13 rescue vehicles for the extraction and location of the missing persons.
Victims and government response
So far, two people have been rescued alive and in good physical condition. Work continues to find the seven workers who remain under the rubble. The collapsed structure was made of steel, and its integrity had been previously evaluated before demolition began.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued an urgent order for all agencies involved, including the National Police, Fire Department and regional authorities, to deploy full resources to the search.
Implications and industrial context
The incident has once again put the spotlight on safety at industrial decommissioning projectsespecially at older power plants. The Ulsan plant was a major generator in the coastal region, and the collapsed tower was part of the system that produced steam for electric turbines.
The preliminary investigation points to a structural failure during the cutting process or weakening of key supports. Pending further details, the Ministry of Public Safety has ensured a comprehensive review of protocols on demolition of energy infrastructure.
Source and photo: The New York Times
