UDPATE - South Korea launches probe into deaths from tunnel flooding

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – South Korea launched a probe on Monday into deaths caused by the flooding of an underpass in the central town of Osong, local media reported.

Rains lashed parts of South Korea, including the capital Seoul. Due to heavy rains, the underground roadway in the central Cheongju city, located 69 miles southeast of the capital Seoul, was flooded on Saturday morning, according to Yonhap News.

The nearby Miho River overflowed, causing an embankment to collapse and trapping at least 16 vehicles, including a bus, underwater, where 13 people died, it said.

Four more bodies were recovered overnight from the flooded tunnel, the report said, citing officials, bringing the total death toll in the country to 49 after heavy rains last week.

The national government policy coordination office said “necessary actions will be taken against those found responsible, including disciplinary action, referral for criminal investigation or system reforms” against those responsible.

Authorities are looking into issues such as the management of nearby embankments and the failure to impose traffic restrictions despite prior flood warnings.

The southeastern province of North Gyeongsang was hit hard, with 19 casualties reported so far, according to Yonhap News.

Search and rescue teams continued to recover bodies, including from inside the submerged bus, while dozens of others were injured in rain-related incidents.

Many vehicles and underpasses are still submerged, and authorities fear that “casualties could rise,” said the news agency.

Workers and rescuers continue to drain the water and search for survivors.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Monday voiced sorrow over the loss of lives, injuries and material damage as a result of the floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in South Korea.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives as well as to the friendly people and Government of the Republic of Korea, wishing speedy recovery to the injured," it said in a written statement.

*Diyar Guldogan from Ankara contributed to this report.