Motorcyclist found dead in Seoul after plunging into giant sinkhole

The fire department conducted a major search, with rescue workers wearing wetsuits and “digging with their hands” alongside a rescue dog, in a frantic 17-hour hunt for the motorcyclist.

However, on Tuesday “the missing person who is in his 30s, was discovered in cardiac arrest, approximately 50m from the centerline of the sinkhole”, Kim Chang-seop, an official from the Gangdong Fire Station, told reporters.

“He was buried at a depth of approximately 90cm and was found intact, still wearing his helmet and motorcycle boots,” said Kim, adding they “regret that we are unable to deliver better news”.

The driver of the car suffered minor injuries.

The hole is now around 20m wide and 20m deep, the fire department said.