2 Chinese nationals among 4 dead in South Korea bridge collapse

At least four people, including two Chinese workers, were dead after a bridge collapsed at a highway construction site in the South Korean city of Cheonan, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea confirmed to CMG.

The embassy sent staff to the collapse site to extend condolences to the injured, expressing hope that the South Korean side would look into the cause and treat the injured.

Another six people were injured in the collapse, including five critically, local authorities said.  

The accident occurred at 9:49 a.m. when five 50-meter steel structures supporting the highway bridge collapsed one after another after being hoisted into place by a crane, Yonhap news agency reported.

Broadcaster YTN aired dramatic footage showing part of a towering bridge collapsing at the site in Cheonan, south of the capital, Seoul.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for the mobilization of all available personnel and resources to rescue any missing people and ensure safety measures to prevent further damage, his office said.

(With input from Reuters)