No Life-Threatening Injuries Reported
Driver in 60s Claims Sudden Acceleration
At an intersection near Seoul City Hall Station, a vehicle crashed onto the sidewalk at around 9:27 PM on the 1st.
Police are controlling the scene at an intersection near Seoul City Hall Station. [Image source=Yonhap News]
According to the police and fire authorities, a total of 9 people died, 1 person was seriously injured, and 3 people sustained minor injuries in this accident. Among the 9 deceased, 6 died at the scene, and 3 were transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but were pronounced dead.
Among the 4 injured, 1 person is seriously injured and 3 have minor injuries; all were transported to nearby hospitals. The seriously injured person is receiving treatment at the hospital and is currently confirmed to be in stable condition. Of the 3 with minor injuries, 1 has received treatment and returned home.
The fire authorities responded to a traffic accident report stating "10 people are down" and arrived at the scene around 9:33 PM. They then issued a Level 1 response and deployed 37 vehicles and 134 personnel to manage the accident site.
The police apprehended the Genesis driver, a 68-year-old man named Mr. A, at the scene and transported him to the hospital. A woman in her 60s, who was riding with him and is his spouse, was also taken to the hospital.
Mr. A claims sudden unintended acceleration and is not suspected of drunk driving. Whether he was under the influence of drugs or drowsy driving has not yet been confirmed.
Mr. A’s vehicle reportedly drove in the wrong direction, collided with two vehicles, and then crashed into pedestrians waiting at the signal one after another.
The police are verifying Mr. A’s condition and investigating the detailed circumstances of the accident based on witness statements.
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