Additional Coverage:
Tragedy in Seoul as Motorcyclist Found Dead in Massive Sinkhole
A motorcyclist lost his life after falling into a large sinkhole that opened up in Seoul, South Korea. The incident occurred Monday afternoon in the Myeongil-dong neighborhood, when the ground gave way beneath the motorcyclist and a passing van.
The sinkhole, estimated to be approximately 65 feet wide and deep, swallowed the motorcyclist. A woman driving a van also sustained minor injuries as her vehicle partially traversed the collapsing roadway.
Emergency officer Kim Chang Seob announced in a televised briefing that the motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was found deceased before noon on Tuesday. Rescue workers recovered his body, along with his motorcycle and cell phone.
He was wearing a helmet and motorcycle boots. The recovery operation took nearly 18 hours, hampered by the need to pump out water and clear debris.
Crews utilized excavators, shovels, and other equipment to reach the victim.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinkhole.