A library under construction in Gwangju, South Korea, collapsed on Thursday, burying four workers. Rescuers pulled one person from the wreckage who later died at a nearby hospital, and they have located a second trapped worker and are attempting extraction. Authorities have deployed cranes, drones, thermal-imaging cameras and rescue dogs as operations continue. Officials have not released victim identities and say an investigation will follow.
Tragedy in Gwangju: Library Under Construction Collapses, Killing One and Trapping Three Workers
Firefighters try to rescue workers trapped under a collapsed structure at a library construction site in Gwangju, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Cho Nam-soo/Yonhap via AP)
SEOUL, South Korea — A library under construction in the southern city of Gwangju collapsed on Thursday, officials said, leaving one worker dead and three others trapped under rubble.
Four workers were buried when the structure gave way. Rescuers pulled one person from the wreckage, but that worker was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, local emergency officer Ahn Gyun-jae said during a televised briefing.
Ahn said teams have located a second trapped worker and are attempting to extract that person. Authorities have mobilized cranes, drones, thermal-imaging cameras and rescue dogs to assist the search-and-rescue operation.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Emergency crews are working carefully to stabilize the site and prevent further collapse while accessing the rubble. Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims or a cause for the collapse; a formal investigation is expected after rescue teams complete their work.
Note: This is a developing story. Updates may follow as authorities provide new information.
