Gwangju: A steel structure collapsed at a library construction site in the southwestern city of Gwangju, resulting in the deaths of two workers and leaving two others trapped, authorities reported. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the accident first being reported at 1:58 p.m. Firefighters rushed to the scene and rescued a 47-year-old worker, who was taken to a hospital in cardiac arrest but was later pronounced dead.

According to Yonhap News Agency, firefighters identified the second victim, who was unresponsive when found, and successfully rescued him at 8:13 p.m. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on site. Efforts are ongoing to determine his identity. Two workers remain unaccounted for, and search operations are set to continue throughout the night.

The victims have been identified as technicians working for a subcontractor, and all were Korean nationals. Initial reports suggest that the collapse happened during the pouring of ready-mixed concrete. A construction site official informed Yonhap News Agency that the rooftop of the second floor appeared to have collapsed onto the first floor due to a lack of supporting structures.

The library, a project of the Gwangju metropolitan government, is being constructed on the site of a former waste incineration plant. The project is valued at 51.6 billion won (US$35 million) and is planned to cover a total floor area of 11,286 square meters, consisting of two stories above ground and two basement levels.