Citizens Rescue Grandmother Crushed by Drunk Driving Vehicle

70s Woman Crushed After Being Hit by Matiz in Alleyway of Seogwipo, Jeju
Unlicensed Driver with Blood Alcohol Level at License Revocation Threshold

Accident site in Donghong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju. Photo by Reader · Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] A woman in her 70s who was run over by a drunk driving vehicle was safely rescued with the help of passing citizens. On the 24th at around 4:26 PM, in an alley in Donghong-dong, Seogwipo City, Jeju, a woman in her 70s, Ms. A, was hit by a Matiz car and her upper body was trapped under the right front wheel of the car.

As the accident occurred, Ms. A let out a desperate scream and a nearby wall collapsed. Citizens near a lottery shop and other places heard the sound and quickly gathered at the accident scene. Students walking in small groups after school also rushed to the scene. As if by agreement, they immediately clung to the car. One citizen shouted, "We need to move this car, hold on, one, two, three," and with the strength of the citizens, Ms. A, who was trapped under the wheel, was rescued.

During this process, the startled Matiz driver, Mr. B (72), tried to start the car again and reverse, but the citizens shouted, "Do not move the car, if you move it, the person will be more injured." One citizen even helped Mr. B get out of the driver's seat to prevent further damage.

When the 119 rescue team arrived at the scene after receiving the report, the citizens had already pulled Ms. A out from under the car. Ms. A was transported to the hospital by the 119 rescue team and is receiving treatment, and fortunately, it has been confirmed that her life is not in danger.

According to the investigation, driver Mr. B had his license canceled in the past and was driving without a license. At the time of the accident, his blood alcohol concentration was 0.124%, far exceeding the license cancellation limit (0.08% or higher). Mr. B was heavily intoxicated from daytime drinking when he drove, hit Ms. A, and even caused the wall to collapse.

The police have booked Mr. B on charges of violating the Special Act on Traffic Accident Handling, drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act, and driving without a license, and are currently investigating.