A motorcyclist in Seoul, South Korea, died after falling into a 65-foot-wide sinkhole. The incident follows similar sinkhole accidents in Japan and the U.S. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Motorcyclist dies after being swallowed by sinkhole in Seoul, South Korea
The tragic incident follows similar sinkhole occurrences in Japan, the United States, and other countries.

A motorcyclist lost his life after falling into a massive sinkhole that suddenly appeared on a street in Seoul, South Korea, authorities reported on Tuesday. The man, identified only as being in his 30s, was found in cardiac arrest around noon local time, a day after the sinkhole opened up unexpectedly.

The sinkhole, approximately 65 feet wide and 65 feet deep, emerged near an intersection in the Gangdong district of Seoul at around 6:30 p.m. on Monday (5:30 a.m. ET). Dashcam footage confirmed by NBC News captured the tragic moment when the motorcyclist fell into the gaping hole, while a car ahead narrowly escaped being swallowed.

A team of about 40 rescue workers conducted an overnight search, and the victim's body was finally discovered about 160 feet below the center of the sinkhole. Rescuers also recovered the man's motorcycle and mobile phone. The 17-hour search was complicated by water and soil mixing at the site, as well as heavy machinery entangled from a nearby construction project.

"It was only after draining the area and using heavy equipment to clear the soil that we were able to find the man," a spokesperson from the Gangdong Fire Station stated.

A woman in her 40s, who had passed through the area shortly before the sinkhole opened, suffered minor injuries. She is currently in the hospital and expected to recover.

Authorities in Seoul have yet to determine the cause of the sinkhole. City officials announced plans for a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon addressed the issue at the scene, stating, "We will identify the cause of the accident as quickly as possible to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that citizens can use the roads confidently."

From 2015 to 2024, a total of 223 sinkholes have been reported in Seoul. Sinkholes typically occur when groundwater dissolves the rock beneath the land's surface, weakening it over time. However, they can also be caused by human activities like excessive groundwater extraction and construction, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

This incident is similar to one earlier this year in Yashio, Japan, where a truck and its 74-year-old driver were swallowed by a large sinkhole. Despite a two-week search, the driver was never found, and officials believe a damaged sewage pipe may have caused the collapse.

In the United States, states like Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania experience the most sinkhole-related damage, as reported by the USGS. However, there is no nationwide database tracking sinkhole occurrences. In December, a 64-year-old woman in Pennsylvania died after falling into a sinkhole while searching for her cat, a collapse thought to be caused by mine subsidence.

Sinkholes occur when the ground beneath the surface loses its ability to support the weight above it. While some are natural, others are triggered by human activities. As Seoul authorities continue their investigation, they aim to understand what led to this tragic event and to implement measures that will enhance public safety.