Chong Won-o, the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul mayoral candidate, and Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, halted their campaigns on the 26th, saying that handling the Seosomun overpass collapse "must come first."
Chong said on social media that "above all else, rapid rescue and response are the priority right now," adding, "I ask the relevant authorities to do everything possible to prevent further damage and to carry out rescues and secure safety at the site." Chong temporarily suspended campaigning and plans to visit the accident site on the day.
On the same day, Oh also said on social media, "Nothing is more important than citizens' safety," adding, "From this moment, I will suspend campaigning and go to the scene immediately to assess the situation firsthand."
He added, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government and relevant authorities should make every effort to take swift relief measures to prevent casualties," and "please ensure the safety of on-site workers and citizens so the situation can be fully brought under control."
Oh also said, "We will thoroughly identify the cause and focus all capabilities on the response."
According to fire authorities, a report that a structure had collapsed came in at about 2:32 p.m. on the day. About six people were reportedly injured in the accident. Fire authorities are checking the exact number of casualties. Sixty-two fire personnel and 30 police officers arrived at the scene and are conducting rescue operations.
The Seosomun overpass was completed in 1966. After receiving a "D grade" in a detailed safety inspection, demolition work had been underway since September last year. Demolition was scheduled to be completed in June.