(MENAFN) Rescue crews detonated two massive boiler structures at a thermal facility Tuesday in a dramatic effort to reach four workers still buried beneath a collapsed tower from last week's disaster, local outlets reported.

South Korean media confirmed that structures No. 4 and No. 6 were brought down after emergency teams determined the standing towers were blocking critical access routes for recovery operations.

The catastrophe unfolded last Thursday when Tower No. 5 at the power facility gave way, entombing seven employees beneath tons of debris. Recovery teams have pulled three bodies from the wreckage, while four workers remain unaccounted for. Searchers have pinpointed the locations of two additional victims, with intensive efforts underway to reach the final two.

Approximately 70 personnel will penetrate deep into the collapsed structure, authorities announced, supported by crane systems and specialized heavy machinery designed for such operations.

Government representatives defended the dramatic demolition strategy, explaining the controlled detonation created essential pathways allowing rescue workers to navigate the hazardous debris field with reduced risk.

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