Can the Search for Remaining Missing Persons in the Gwangju Apartment Collapse Accelerate?

Crack Expansion Found on 24th Floor on 29th, 'Stabilization Work' Completed... Search Resumed

If Not Completed, 'Plan B' Also Prepared... Crane for Exterior Wall Demolition Being Installed

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Attention is focused on whether the search operation at the site of the collapsed newly constructed apartment by Hyundai Development Company in Gwangju, where the whereabouts of three missing persons have not yet been confirmed, can be accelerated.

On the afternoon of the 29th, the search operation was temporarily halted due to the discovery of an expanded crack, but after stabilization work was completed, the search and rescue operation resumed.

According to the Central Accident Response Headquarters on the 30th, stabilization work is currently underway to remove debris attached to the 29th floor, and a mini excavator has been deployed to remove the debris.

Regarding the crack that occurred the previous day, reinforcement work for stabilization was completed through expert meetings and other measures.

The two buried victims found so far are on the 27th and 28th floors, but various variables have delayed the recovery operation.

The Central Accident Response Headquarters explained that with the completion of stabilization work and the resumption of rescue operations, recovery is expected within a few days.

The recovery operation involves removing the upper slab of the 29th floor and entering from below, which the Central Accident Response Headquarters judged to be the safest and fastest method.

If all missing persons are not confirmed through internal searches, the Central Accident Response Headquarters and Hyundai Development Company are also considering a ‘Plan B.’

To this end, additional cranes are being installed to allow search operations from the outside by breaking the outer wall.

Hyundai Development Company is also focusing efforts on search and rescue support and building safety support.

At the request of the Fire Agency, 109 personnel and small excavator equipment were deployed to facilitate debris removal on the 28th and 29th floors, and an elevator opening hoist for moving search personnel and debris has been installed. The hoist is scheduled for final inspection on the 31st.

Additionally, jack supports and H-steel frames were installed for stabilization, and 30 wires were fastened.

Thirteen crack gauges were installed on the ceilings of the 24th and 28th floors to monitor measurements at 30-minute intervals. So far, no changes have been reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.