Incheon Manhole Tragedy: Why Did Two Workers Collapse Underground?

A Routine Inspection Turns Tragic

Did you know that what started as a routine inspection of Incheon’s underground pipelines turned into a national tragedy? On June 6th, 2025, two workers entered a manhole in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, to check the status of wastewater pipes for a GIS database project. Within minutes, both collapsed—one was found in cardiac arrest and rushed to the hospital, while the other went missing, only to be found dead a day later at a sewage treatment plant nearly a kilometer away. This incident has shaken not just the local community but the whole country, raising urgent questions about safety standards and responsibility.

What Happened Inside the Manhole?

The details are chilling. According to emergency responders, the two men—one the owner of the subcontracted inspection company, the other his employee—entered the manhole without proper safety equipment like oxygen masks. Toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide were detected in the pipeline. The employee collapsed first, and the owner, trying to rescue him, was also overcome by the fumes. Rescue teams arrived quickly but could not prevent tragedy. The missing worker was swept through the pipes and found dead the next day. Preliminary autopsy reports point to gas poisoning as the cause of death, with no signs of trauma.

A Web of Subcontracting and Accountability

Here’s something many overseas readers might not know: The inspection was part of a larger GIS (Geographic Information System) database project commissioned by the Incheon Environment Corporation, intended to modernize management of the city’s sewer system. However, the project was subcontracted—possibly in violation of rules that prohibit further subcontracting without approval. The main client claims they were unaware that underground work was scheduled that day, and that no consultation or safety approval had been given. This tangled web of contracts and unclear responsibilities has become a focal point for public anger.

Community and Online Reactions: Shock, Grief, and Outrage

Korean online communities like Theqoo, DC Inside, and FM Korea have been flooded with reactions. Many express grief for the victims and frustration at repeated industrial accidents. Comments range from 'How many more must die before safety is taken seriously?' to 'This is another example of subcontracting gone wrong.' Some users blame lax enforcement of safety laws, while others highlight the lack of basic equipment like gas detectors and oxygen masks. A few posts on Naver and Tistory blogs also point out that similar accidents have happened before, yet little seems to change. There’s a strong sense that these deaths were preventable.

Why Are Manhole Accidents So Deadly in Korea?

If you’re not familiar with Korea’s urban infrastructure, here’s some context: Many cities have aging sewer systems, and maintenance often involves entering confined spaces where toxic gases can accumulate. Hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide are especially dangerous—they can knock someone unconscious within seconds. Despite this, safety protocols are sometimes ignored due to time pressure, cost-cutting, or unclear lines of responsibility. The Serious Accidents Punishment Act, passed in 2022, was supposed to hold companies accountable, but loopholes and weak enforcement remain persistent problems.

Government and Corporate Response: Promises and Investigations

President Lee Jae Myung responded swiftly, ordering a thorough investigation and calling for 'extraordinary measures to end workplace deaths.' The Ministry of Labor has launched inspections of hundreds of sewage agencies nationwide. The Incheon Environment Corporation has suspended the project and apologized to the victims’ families. Police are investigating possible violations of safety laws and professional negligence. However, skepticism remains high among the public, with many doubting that real change will follow without stronger enforcement and cultural shifts in workplace safety.

Lessons for International Readers: The Cost of Overlooking Safety

Why does this story matter beyond Korea? Industrial accidents in confined spaces are a global problem, but Korea’s experience highlights the dangers of subcontracting and the need for clear accountability. Overseas fans and observers should note that while Korea is known for its rapid modernization, some sectors lag behind in safety culture. The Incheon manhole tragedy is a stark reminder that progress must not come at the cost of human lives. As discussions continue in Korean media and online forums, many hope this tragedy will finally prompt real reform.

What Happens Next? Calls for Reform and Hope for Change

As of July 2025, investigations are ongoing, and the surviving company owner remains in critical condition. The government has pledged stricter oversight, and there are calls for mandatory safety training and better equipment for all workers entering confined spaces. Community voices, both online and offline, are demanding that this not become just another forgotten incident. Will Korea’s leaders and industry finally listen? Only time will tell, but the memory of the Incheon manhole victims is fueling a nationwide push for safer workplaces.