Fatal Mobile Crane Overturn at Jamsil Bridge Interchange Project in Seoul

30-Second Takeaway

A 66-year-old man died after a mobile crane overturned at a construction site for the new southern terminal interchange of Jamsil Bridge in southeastern Seoul. The incident involved a 30–35-tonne mobile crane and occurred amid material delivery operations. Emergency services spent more than two and a half hours extracting the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have issued a stop-work order and launched a formal investigation.

Incident Overview

A fatal crane incident occurred yesterday at a construction site for the new southern terminal interchange of Jamsil Bridge, located in Songpa-gu, southeastern Seoul, South Korea.

According to available reports, a 30–35-tonne mobile crane overturned during site operations. A 66-year-old man became trapped beneath debris and rubble following the collapse.

Emergency responders worked for more than two and a half hours to extract the victim. He was subsequently declared dead at the scene.

What Is Confirmed

• Location: Jamsil Bridge southern terminal interchange project, Songpa-gu, Seoul

• Crane involved: Mobile crane, approximately 30–35 tonnes

• Fatality: One male worker, aged 66

• Rescue duration: Over 2.5 hours

• Outcome: Fatal injuries confirmed on site

An immediate stop-work order was issued following the incident.

Unconfirmed Account

One report received by Crane Hub Global suggests that a large truck delivering materials may have moved too close to the crane and struck or caught the crane’s outrigger beam, potentially causing both the crane and truck to overturn. The truck’s load of formwork panels was reportedly dumped during the incident.

At present, this version of events has not been corroborated by a second source and remains unconfirmed. No conclusions should be drawn until official findings are released.

Official Response

The acting chief executive of the main contractor, Samhwan Construction, issued a public apology, stating:

“A fatal accident occurred at a construction site near Jamsil Bridge in Songpa-gu, Seoul. Our deepest condolences go out to the deceased, along with our sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.”

The Seoul Regional Employment and Labour Office has launched an immediate investigation to determine the cause of the incident and assess compliance with safety regulations.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Mobile crane overturns on active infrastructure projects may involve factors such as:

• Interaction between cranes and delivery vehicles

• Insufficient exclusion zones around outriggers

• Ground loading and stability challenges

• Poor coordination between lifting and unloading operations

Where cranes and trucks operate simultaneously in confined areas, the risk of contact with outriggers or load paths increases significantly.

Industry Reminder

Mobile crane stability relies heavily on uninterrupted outrigger support and controlled site access. When those controls are compromised, overturn incidents can escalate rapidly with fatal consequences.

This incident reinforces the need for strict traffic control and exclusion discipline on congested infrastructure sites.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents to support industry learning and prevention. This article reflects confirmed information available at the time of publication. Unverified accounts are clearly identified as such and will be updated as official findings emerge.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Defined Vehicle–Crane Exclusion Zones

Clear separation distances around crane outriggers help prevent vehicle contact during lifting or unloading activities.

Traffic and Delivery Management Plans

Dedicated delivery routes and controlled approach procedures reduce interaction between trucks and lifting equipment.

Outrigger Protection and Visibility

Outrigger beams should be clearly marked, protected, and kept clear of vehicle movement paths at all times.

Coordinated Lift and Unload Sequencing

Material delivery and crane operations should be sequenced to avoid overlapping activities in shared work zones.

Stop-Work Authority

All workers should have the authority to halt operations if unsafe proximity or unexpected movement is observed.