Two boiler towers were blown up at a thermal power plant in Ulsan on Tuesday to facilitate the search for four workers trapped under a third tower that collapsed last week. Towers 4 and 6, flanking the collapsed Tower 5, had posed a risk of further crumbling and impeded operations.
A collapse at a thermal power plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan last week left four workers trapped under Tower 5, complicating rescue efforts. Adjacent Towers 4 and 6, which flanked the fallen structure, presented a constant risk of further collapse, hindering operations. On Tuesday, these two boiler towers were demolished through a controlled explosion to clear the way for search teams.
The move was deemed essential to accelerate the rescue of the missing workers, with President Lee ordering an all-out effort to save those trapped under the collapsed structure. Rescue personnel can now access the debris of Tower 5 more safely. Investigations into the cause of the incident and progress on the rescue continue.
The event has reignited concerns over industrial safety at power facilities, highlighting ongoing risks in such operations.