Water pipe collapses in subway, two injured

A water pipe hanging from the ceiling at Chungmuro Subway Station in central Seoul collapsed at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, injuring two people. The pipe measured 30 meters in length and 15cm in diameter.

Hong Kyong-Eun, 18, of Chunchon, Kangwon Province, and Lee Hyun-Jung, 26, of Seoul, were treated for head injuries at a nearby hospital. The accident also caused great confusion as many passengers rushed to evacuate.

Given that repairs of the station's heating and cooling systems have been underway since Jan. 8, police assume that the pipe gave way as a result of the work. They are continuing an investigation to determine the exact cause.

Lee Wan-Bae roryrery@donga.com