North Korea apologizes to citizens for building collapse

SEOUL An apartment building in the North Korean capital collapsed in what state media described as a serious accident that caused an unspecified number of casualties.

The unusual, apologetic report Sunday from the Norths state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the collapse took place Tuesday at the construction site of an apartment building in Phyongchon, a central district of Pyongyang.

The accident claimed casualties, the agency reported without providing details on the number of peopled killed and injured. Rescue efforts were abandoned on Saturday, the agency said.

North Korean Defectors

A South Korean government official said the building had 23 floors, estimating that as many as 92 families might have been living inside. Its common for people to move into North Korean buildings before construction is completed, the official said.

The South Korean government closely monitors activities in North Korea.

The construction of the building was not done properly and officials supervised and controlled it in an irresponsible manner, KCNA reported. Pyongyang residents were greatly shocked it said.

Kim Jong Un upset

The secretive North Korean regime rarely calls attention to problems within its borders.

The publication of the state media report, which contained a series of apologies from senior public officials, suggests it was a severe calamity.

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North Korea apologizes to citizens for building collapse