A 60‑meter boiler tower collapsed Thursday during demolition at a decommissioned thermal power plant in Ulsan, killing at least one worker and leaving six others trapped. Two workers were rescued; a third later died at a hospital, and another is believed dead. Search operations were paused because of unstable rubble and will resume after stabilization. More than 340 rescuers, about 90 vehicles and specialized detection equipment — plus search dogs — have been deployed; President Lee ordered full mobilization while stressing rescuer safety.
Deadly Collapse at Ulsan Power Plant: 60‑Meter Boiler Tower Falls During Demolition, Several Workers Trapped
A 60‑meter boiler tower collapsed Thursday during demolition at a decommissioned thermal power plant in Ulsan, killing at least one worker and leaving six others trapped. Two workers were rescued; a third later died at a hospital, and another is believed dead. Search operations were paused because of unstable rubble and will resume after stabilization. More than 340 rescuers, about 90 vehicles and specialized detection equipment — plus search dogs — have been deployed; President Lee ordered full mobilization while stressing rescuer safety.
02:11, 07.11.2025Society
60‑Meter Tower Collapses During Demolition at Decommissioned Ulsan Power Plant
A 60‑meter (196‑foot) boiler tower collapsed Thursday afternoon during demolition work at a decommissioned thermal power plant in Ulsan, South Korea, killing at least one worker and leaving six others trapped under rubble, officials said.
Rescue teams pulled two workers to safety shortly after the collapse. A third worker who had been removed from the debris was later pronounced dead at a hospital early Friday, Ulsan fire department official Kim Jeong‑shik said. Crews have located another worker believed to be deceased, and several others remain unaccounted for.
Search operations were paused Friday morning because of unstable debris and the risk to rescue personnel; teams will resume once stabilization work is complete.
"We have deployed rescue dogs and they’re conducting searches now. We also have extensive detection equipment on site, including thermal cameras and endoscopes," Kim said in a briefing.
Authorities have mobilized a large response: more than 340 rescue workers and roughly 90 vehicles and pieces of equipment are involved in search‑and‑rescue efforts. Officials said the first two people rescued escaped life‑threatening injuries.
Following the collapse, President Lee Jae Myung ordered that all available personnel and equipment be deployed to assist the rescue while stressing the need to protect responders working in unstable conditions.
The plant was taken out of service in 2021 after about 40 years of operation. Officials said the boiler tower — one of three at the site — had been weakened as it was being prepared for demolition.
Next steps: Investigators and safety officials are expected to review demolition procedures and equipment to determine the cause of the collapse and whether safety protocols were followed.