Motorcyclist Killed by Giant Sinkhole in Seoul

SEOUL, 25th March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – A motorcyclist has tragically lost his life after a massive sinkhole appeared in the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Monday evening. Disturbing footage shared by a local lawmaker shows the moment the motorbike was swallowed by the hole, which opened suddenly during the busy rush hour.

The incident occurred around 6:30 pm at a busy intersection in the southeast of the city. Dashcam footage provided to AFP shows the sinkhole forming unexpectedly in the middle of the road, with a motorcyclist being engulfed almost instantly, while a car narrowly escapes disaster, sliding towards the hole before bouncing back to safety.

Rescue operations began immediately, with fire department teams launching a thorough 17-hour search. Rescuers, including those wearing wetsuits, used their hands and were accompanied by a rescue dog as they combed the area in a desperate attempt to locate the missing motorcyclist.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed the discovery of the motorcyclist, a man in his thirties, approximately 50 metres from the centre of the sinkhole. He was found in cardiac arrest, buried about 90 centimetres (three feet) deep, still wearing his helmet and motorcycle boots. Kim Chang-seop from Gangdong Fire Station expressed regret at the tragic outcome, stating, “We regret that we are unable to deliver better news.”

The car driver involved in the incident sustained only minor injuries. The sinkhole, which now spans approximately 20 metres (66 feet) in width and depth, has prompted safety concerns, leading a number of nearby schools to close on Tuesday.

The cause of the sinkhole remains under investigation, with authorities noting that the accident occurred at a site where extension work for a metro line was in progress. A spokesperson for Seoul city stated that the construction could have been one of “several possible contributing factors” but assured that a comprehensive investigation would follow once the surrounding debris is cleared.

Sinkhole incidents are relatively rare in South Korea, with fewer than 200 reported cases annually, a stark contrast to neighbouring Japan, which records significantly higher numbers.

This tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for stricter safety protocols to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.