Gwangju Collapse: 6-Hour Struggle with Hoe, Chocolate Milk, and Sap
Worker Rescued After Tunnel Collapse; Search Continues for Another
GWANGMYEONG, South Korea (AP) — A construction worker was pulled from the wreckage of a collapsed tunnel early Friday morning after a 13-hour ordeal, while the search continues for a second worker still missing. The tunnel,part of the Shinansan Line construction project in Gyeonggi province,collapsed Thursday afternoon.
dramatic Rescue After Overnight Effort
The 20-year-old excavator operator, identified only as Mr. A, was trapped approximately 30 meters (98 feet) underground following the collapse, which occurred around 3:13 p.m. local time Thursday. Rescue teams,including firefighter Lee Jun-hee from the Gyeonggi-do 119 Special Response Team,located mr. A at 10:16 p.m. amidst concrete debris, rebar, and soil.
“It’s done now.It’s a shock except for the pressure. So I’m slow,” firefighter Lee Jun-hee reassured Mr. A during the painstaking rescue operation.
Fire authorities used a crane to remove debris weighing over 200 kilograms (440 pounds) to create access for rescuers. Firefighters Lee Jun-hee and Cho Byung-ju then descended into the tunnel.
Challenges and Triumphs Underground
Equipped with shovels and hoes, the two rescuers carefully dug through the debris, cutting wires and rebar to reach the trapped worker. After six hours of intense labor, they reached Mr. A, who was in a crouched position with his lower body buried.
Rescuers provided Mr. A with a blanket and chocolate milk, recognizing his need for warmth and sustenance after being trapped for so long. Mr. A was brought to the surface at 4:27 a.m. Friday and transported to Suwon Ajou University Hospital for treatment. He expressed his gratitude to the rescue crew.
Search Continues for Second Worker
The tunnel collapse occurred at the construction site of the 5-2 Underground Tunnel, a project being undertaken by POSCO E & C. In addition to Mr. A, a 50-year-old POSCO E & C worker, identified as Mr.B, was also missing after the collapse.
While Mr. A was rescued after 13 hours,the search for Mr. B continues. Fire authorities temporarily suspended the search at 8:05 p.m.Thursday due to deteriorating weather conditions but planned to resume the effort.