Motorcyclist Dies After Being Swallowed By Massive Sinkhole In Seoul, Car Narrowly Escapes
The sinkhole reportedly measured 20m in width and depth.
Cover image via @Tedchangsigi (X)A massive sinkhole opened up in Seoul, South Korea on Monday evening, 24 March, swallowing a motorcyclist and injuring a car driver
Image via @Tedchangsigi (X)
The incident occurred at around 6.30pm local time in the Gangdong district, during rush hour traffic.
Dashcam footage widely shared online shows the terrifying moment the road gave way. The video captures the motorcyclist vanishing into the hole while a car in front of him barely escapes.
The car was pulled partially into the hole but somehow managed to bounce back onto the road. The driver sustained minor injuries.
Image via @Tedchangsigi (X)
Tragically, the motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, did not survive
After a frantic 17-hour search, rescue workers found his body about 50m from where he had fallen.
Wearing wetsuits, firefighters worked tirelessly to locate him, even using rescue dogs and digging with their hands.
When they finally found him, he was buried about 90cm underground, still wearing his helmet and motorcycle boots, South China Morning Post reported.
Unfortunately, he was already in cardiac arrest. Rescuers initially discovered the motorcyclist's phone and bike in the hole before locating his body.
Image via @Tedchangsigi (X)
Officials reported that the sinkhole measured approximately 20m in width and depth
Image via Yonhap/AP/CNA
According to CNA, the cause of the sinkhole is still under investigation. However, officials noted that metro line extension work was underway at the location, which may have contributed to the incident.
A city spokesperson confirmed that multiple factors are being examined and that a team of experts will conduct a full investigation once the surrounding debris is cleared.
Sinkholes are not unheard of in Seoul, with over 200 reported cases in the past decade
Many have been linked to poor infrastructure maintenance, ageing pipes, excavation work, and natural land sinking.
While sinkhole accidents remain relatively rare in South Korea compared to countries like Japan, this tragic incident has reignited concerns about urban safety and infrastructure stability.
Authorities are expected to release further details once the investigation concludes.
