Sicheong Station Traffic Accident Memorial Site
Memorial Procession from Early Morning
60s Driver Claims 'Sudden Acceleration'
Police "Investigating Accident Circumstances"
"There was a personnel change at the company yesterday, so it seems the damage is significant."
On the morning of the 2nd, chrysanthemums were placed at the accident site near Exit 7 of City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, where a major traffic accident occurred last night.
On the 2nd, Mr. A, a colleague of the deceased whom we met in front of the funeral hall at Yeongdeungpo Hospital in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, said, "The bereaved families are deeply saddened." The funeral hall was filled with a somber atmosphere as people continued to pay their respects to the deceased. The hospital blocked the press from entering, and mourners wore distressed expressions, unable to speak.
At Yeongdeungpo Hospital funeral hall, six of the nine bodies of those who died in the traffic accident near Seoul City Hall were laid to rest. It was confirmed that two city hall employees, four bank employees, and three hospital employees died in the accident. The deceased were four men in their 50s, four men in their 30s, and one man in his 40s. They were transferred respectively to Yeongdeungpo Hospital funeral hall, National Medical Center, and Sinchon Severance Hospital. Mr. B said, "I came to pay respects to my colleague, and I feel mixed emotions," adding, "I hurried to the funeral hall before going to work."
On the 2nd, reporters are waiting in front of the Yeongdeungpo Hospital funeral hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
At the accident site near Exit 7 of City Hall Station, a line of citizens paying tribute formed from early morning. Despite the rain, they placed white chrysanthemums on the ground and observed a moment of silence to express their condolences. One citizen left a note saying, "I offer my condolences and hope the deceased's dreams come true in the afterlife. Rest in peace."
At the intersection near Seoul City Hall Station, at around 9:27 p.m. on the 1st, a Genesis vehicle crashed onto the sidewalk. After colliding with two other vehicles, the car rushed toward the crosswalk, hitting pedestrians waiting for the signal, traveling about 100 meters before stopping in front of Exit 12 of City Hall Station on the opposite side. It is known that the vehicle traveled approximately 200 meters in reverse. Since this occurred during the time when citizens were returning home after work and dinner, the casualties were severe. Although safety fences were installed on the sidewalk, they could not prevent casualties. The fences were mangled beyond recognition, and the glass doors and windows of nearby shops were shattered.
On the day of the accident, the fire department responded to a traffic accident report stating "10 people have collapsed" and arrived at the scene around 9:33 p.m. They then issued a Level 1 response, deploying 37 vehicles and 134 personnel to manage the accident site. Sejong-daero in front of City Hall Station was completely closed to two-way traffic, and a temporary emergency medical center was set up at the scene.
According to the police and fire authorities, nine people died and four were injured in the accident. Of the nine deceased, six died at the scene, and three were transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but were pronounced dead. Among the four injured, one was seriously injured and three had minor injuries; all were taken to nearby hospitals. The seriously injured person is currently receiving treatment at the hospital and is confirmed to be in stable condition. Of the three with minor injuries, one has received treatment and returned home.
The police apprehended the male driver, Mr. C (68), at the scene, and he was transported to the hospital after complaining of pain. A woman in her 60s who was riding with him, believed to be his spouse, was also taken to the hospital. Mr. C 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. The police are investigating the detailed circumstances of the accident based on witness statements while checking Mr. C's condition.
A representative from Namdaemun Police Station said at a briefing regarding the traffic accident in front of Seoul City Hall, "The driver has been booked on charges of violating the Special Act on Traffic Accident Handling and is under investigation. We plan to conduct a thorough fact-finding and investigate strictly. Currently, we have secured CCTV footage and the vehicle's black box for analysis. Sudden unintended acceleration is only the suspect's statement, and we plan to request an expert opinion from the National Forensic Service."
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