Rescuers pause search for missing workers at collapsed construction site due to safety concerns

Rescue operations are under way for workers trapped under the rubble after a steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in the southwestern city of Gwangju, Friday. Courtesy of National Fire Agency

Search efforts for two workers missing at a collapsed library construction site were temporarily halted Friday as officials sought to stabilize a fallen steel structure and ensure rescuers' safety.

The Gwangju Fire Headquarters said the search and rescue operation, which entered its second day, would be put on hold until 6 p.m. to take stabilization measures due to concerns of the steel structure further collapsing.

Rescue authorities conducted an overnight search for the two workers believed to be trapped under twisted steel and concrete debris, after the collapse at 1:58 p.m. Thursday in Gwangju.

Four workers were initially trapped at the site, with firefighters recovering two of them — one was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other later at the hospital.

In an interagency meeting, rescue authorities decided it would be important to remove debris and search for the missing while fully ensuring safety.

Officials suspect the collapse began as workers poured concrete onto the two-story structure's rooftop, with the ground floors falling to the underground level.

Rescue officials earlier slowly advanced to the underground level, where the workers are presumed to be located, cutting off entangled rebar that have hampered the search.

The operation also faced difficulties as the concrete mixture began to harden with the rubble, prompting officials to shovel them out and pour water to dilute them.

The library under construction was being built by the Gwangju metropolitan government on the site of a former waste incineration plant.