The government set up a Central Accident Response Headquarters on Thursday after a boiler tower collapsed at the Korea East-West Power Company’s Ulsan plant, leaving seven workers trapped.

Minister of Environment Kim Sung-whan, who heads the task force, mobilized rescue teams and instructed the power company to cooperate with emergency operations.

The ministry said it will work closely with the labor ministry to ensure swift recovery and support for victims’ families.

Authorities also launched emergency safety inspections of similar demolition sites nationwide to prevent further accidents.

The National Fire Agency issued a nationwide mobilization order as cranes and rescue crews continued operations through the night.

President Lee Jae Myung ordered all available resources to be deployed to prioritize saving lives.