Pre-demolition work linked to fatal boiler tower collapse in Ulsan

A major industrial accident occurred at Korea East-West Power’s Ulsan Thermal Power Plant in Nam District, Ulsan, when a 60-metre boiler tower suddenly collapsed during pre-demolition work. The incident, which took place on November 6, 2025, trapped seven workers beneath tonnes of debris. Two individuals were rescued early on, but three have since been confirmed dead, two are presumed dead, and two remain missing. Fire authorities immediately mobilized 19 vehicles and emergency teams to the site, focusing efforts on locating those still unaccounted for.

Search and rescue operations were halted after a tilt sensor attached to the collapsed structure triggered an alarm, warning of possible further instability. Overnight rain and high winds added to the risks, while pre-cutting work on adjacent towers, part of the planned demolition sequence, had already weakened surrounding structures. As a result, officials evacuated all personnel and shifted to drone-based surveillance to assess conditions safely. Fire authorities and structural experts concluded that entering the wreckage was too dangerous, citing the potential collapse of nearby boiler towers 4 and 6.

Early findings indicate that vulnerability work, including cutting key columns to prepare the tower for detonation, may have compromised its stability. Authorities are also conducting a purge of nearby LNG pipelines with nitrogen to prevent explosions during future detonation work. The tragedy highlights the importance of rigorous risk assessment, continuous sensor monitoring, and adherence to structural safety standards during dismantling operations. As investigations continue, the focus remains on recovery efforts and the implementation of stricter safety protocols across similar facilities nationwide.