A tragic industrial accident occurred in South Korea&rsquo;s southeastern city of Ulsan on Thursday, when a 60-meter-high boiler tower collapsed at a thermal power plant operated by Korea East-West Power Co., leaving seven workers trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident took place shortly after 2 p.m. at the Ulsan branch of the state-run utility company. Authorities said the tower was being dismantled at the time of the collapse, reportedly using controlled explosives.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and managed to pull out two workers early in the operation. Both were conscious and are said to be out of danger. Two more were later located under debris, and efforts are ongoing to rescue them. However, five individuals remain unaccounted for.
Firefighters have been working through the night, using searchlights and heavy machinery to clear gravel and metal fragments. &ldquo;We are focusing on securing access to the trapped individuals and considering lifting or dismantling the remaining structure to reach them quickly,&rdquo; said a firefighting official on-site.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered full mobilisation of national resources, directing rescue agencies to prioritise the safety of both trapped workers and emergency responders. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued similar instructions to the interior ministry and local authorities.
The labour ministry announced it will launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and whether there were any violations of safety regulations. &ldquo;We will pursue a full inquiry, including search and seizure if necessary, to ensure accountability,&rdquo; said Labour Minister Kim Young-hoon.
The Ulsan thermal power plant, built in 1981, supplied nearly 15 per cent of South Korea&rsquo;s electricity in the early 1980s before being decommissioned in 2022. The dismantling project, worth 57.5 billion won (approximately $39.7 million), was contracted to HJ Shipbuilding &amp; Construction Co. and was scheduled for completion by March 2026.

Boiler Tower Collapse Traps 7 at Ulsan Power Plant

Massive boiler tower collapse at Ulsan thermal plant leaves 7 workers trapped; rescue on

Boiler Tower Collapse Traps 7 at Ulsan Power Plant

Massive boiler tower collapse at Ulsan thermal plant leaves 7 workers trapped; rescue on

November 7, 2025 | 24:14 IST