Bridges are meant to connect places and people, making travel faster and safer.
But when something goes wrong during construction, the consequences can be devastating.
That was the case in South Korea, where a tragic accident took several lives and left others badly injured.
On Tuesday morning, a bridge under construction collapsed in Anseong, about 70 kilometers south of Seoul, reports Digi24.
The accident happened at 9:49 a.m. local time when a 50-meter-long steel structure fell after being installed by a crane.
Rescuers rushed to the scene to search for survivors and assess the damage.
Authorities confirmed that at least three people were killed. Six others were injured, with five in serious condition.
Another worker was believed to be buried under the rubble, and search efforts continued throughout the day.
All of those affected were working underneath the bridge when it collapsed.
Emergency crews faced a difficult task. They navigated through twisted metal supports and broken concrete blocks in hopes of finding survivors.
The collapsed section was part of the Seoul-Sejong Expressway, a major roadway under development.
The incident raised serious concerns about safety measures at the construction site.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for all available resources to be used in the rescue operation.
He also urged authorities to ensure proper safety protocols were in place to prevent further tragedies.
The Ministry of Transport quickly dispatched a team of officials to investigate the cause of the collapse.
While accidents like these are rare, they serve as harsh reminders of the risks construction workers face every day.
Infrastructure projects are crucial for economic growth and improved transportation, but safety must always come first.
Families of the victims will now seek answers about what went wrong and whether the accident could have been prevented.
As investigations continue, officials will need to determine whether poor engineering, equipment failure, or human error played a role.
Until then, rescue teams remain focused on finding any missing workers and ensuring the site is secure.
This tragedy leaves a nation mourning and raises important questions about construction safety in South Korea.
