Ongoing Search Operations for Missing Individuals
Search operations to locate missing individuals who were buried in the collapse of Boiler Tower No. 5 at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant, which occurred on the 6th, entered their fourth day on the 9th. The incident has drawn significant attention, with emergency responders working tirelessly to recover those still unaccounted for. Amid these efforts, however, a concerning trend has emerged—scam attempts exploiting the tragedy.
Scam Attempts Exploiting the Tragedy
According to the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency on the 9th, a fraudster impersonating an employee of a public institution called a safety equipment store in Ulsan on the 7th. The caller requested, “Fire extinguishers are urgently needed. Please purchase them from a company we’ll specify, and we’ll settle the payment later,” while asking for a deposit. This is one of several cases where scammers have attempted to exploit the situation for financial gain.
In another instance, a restaurant received a call ordering 100 boxed meals. However, the caller then asked, “Could you instead purchase air mattresses?” These unusual requests are clear indicators of fraudulent activity.
Police Response and Awareness Campaigns
Police are actively tracking the suspects’ whereabouts by analyzing bank account and mobile phone usage records. In addition, officers from local precincts and police boxes are visiting small business owners and merchant associations to raise awareness about these scams. Their goal is to educate the community and prevent further exploitation.
A police official emphasized the importance of caution when receiving large orders. They advised, “When receiving large orders, verify directly with the official phone number of the relevant institution. There is no need to demand a deposit for reservations.” The official also warned against transferring funds if asked to do so under the guise of proxy payment.
Details of the Collapse Incident
Around 2:02 p.m. on the 6th, Boiler Tower No. 5 at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant collapsed suddenly. The structure measured 25 meters wide, 15.5 meters long, and 63 meters high. Seven of the nine workers present were buried in the debris.
Of the seven buried, three have died. Two are presumed deceased, while the remaining two are still missing. Five individuals, including the two missing, are still buried at the collapse site. Rescue teams continue to work around the clock, hoping to locate and save the remaining victims.
Key Takeaways for the Public
As the search continues, it’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant. Scammers often target vulnerable situations, and this incident is no exception. Here are some key steps to stay safe:
- Always verify the authenticity of any request, especially those involving large sums of money or urgent actions.
- Do not provide personal or financial information unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
- If in doubt, contact the relevant institution directly using known and verified phone numbers.
- Report any suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
The tragedy at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant serves as a reminder of the importance of both emergency response and public awareness. As the community comes together to support the victims and their families, it’s essential to remain cautious and informed to prevent further harm.