At least three people were killed when an ageing overpass collapsed in central Seoul on Tuesday, news agency Yonhap reported.
Three people were injured by falling debris when "a structure supporting the overpass" collapsed shortly after a safety inspection began at 2 pm (0500 GMT), Yonhap said.
The area around the site near the city hall was cordoned off and underground and railway services were temporarily restricted.
According to the fire brigade, work to demolish the Seosomun Overpass was temporarily paused on Tuesday morning due to safety concerns.
Just minutes after the inspection began, the concrete slab collapsed, it said.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered an investigation into the incident and also instructed the authorities to develop measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, according to Yonhap.
Seoul Police have already launched a probe. Meanwhile, the candidates in Seoul's mayoral race have suspended their ongoing campaigns for the local elections on June 3 out of respect for the victims.
Removal work on the overpass, which began last August, was due to be finished in a few weeks, according to Yonhap.
The Seosomun Overpass has made headlines in recent years due to safety concerns. In 2019, pieces of concrete fell from the overpass onto the street.
