A series of accidents involving collapsing building exterior walls and retaining walls occurred across Gyeonggi Province as the ground weakened due to rain that fell overnight.
According to police and fire authorities today (July 15), a retaining wall in front of a detached housing complex in Namsa-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, collapsed at approximately 11:40 a.m.
It was determined that the retaining wall, installed in front of two out of the six houses near the site, collapsed toward the bottom of the slope.
Yongin City evacuated seven residents due to concerns over further collapses, and no casualties were reported.
Police are investigating the exact circumstances, keeping in mind the possibility that the accident was caused by the ground weakening from the overnight rain.
Earlier, at approximately 7:10 a.m., the exterior wall of a three-story multi-unit dwelling collapsed in Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon.
Two vehicles parked nearby were damaged in the incident, and no casualties have been confirmed so far.
Although a gas pipe installed at the bottom of the collapsed wall was bent, no gas leaks occurred.
The multi-unit dwelling where the accident occurred is a three-story building, and it is understood that 49 residents from 19 households live there.
Suwon City has restricted access to the building to assess the risk of further collapse and has conducted an initial safety inspection. The city has also arranged temporary emergency shelters for the residents.
A police official stated, "We are investigating the circumstances of the accident, including the possibility that rainwater from the overnight downpour seeped into the aging building."
(Photo: Provided by Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters, Yonhap News)