In a desperate attempt to stop North Korean troops from capturing Seoul, the South Korean Army blows up the Hangang Bridge across the Han River. It is the only path of escape for thousands of refugees who are fleeing the invading army.
When the bridge is detonated, hundreds of refugees are killed. At the same time, many South Korean military units are trapped north of the capital and are either killed or captured.
Seoul falls to North Korea.
It is the first of four times that the capital will change hands during the Korean War.