Photos exclusively obtained by NK News provide independent corroboration to North Korean claims that a Pyongyang apartment block collapsed on May 13, confirming the subsequent search, rescue and clean-up operation was completed in under just four days.

But such a rapid rescue and clean-up operation, experts told NK News, could mean the lives of survivors were put at risk, raising questions as to why North Korean authorities pushed to clear the area so rapidly.

And, citing the lack of major damage to neighboring buildings and the rapid clearance of an estimated 5,000+ tons of debris, two engineering experts said