Memorial Visits Continue at the Site After the Accident
Some Netizens Also Report Trauma Symptoms
At an intersection near City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, a passenger car crashed onto the sidewalk, killing nine people. Netizens expressed anger and sorrow, with some also reporting trauma. Regarding the incident, netizens commented, "What kind of sudden disaster is this? Rest in peace to the victims," "I am so angry and devastated," "Hitting people on the sidewalk at such high speed is clearly murder," and "The perpetrator has been driving for 40 years; how could this happen?"
On the morning of the 2nd, debris from the accident was scattered on the sidewalk near the intersection by Seoul City Hall Station, where a major traffic accident occurred the previous day. [Photo by Yonhap News]
In response to the driver’s claim that the accident was caused by sudden unintended acceleration, netizens said, "No matter how sudden the acceleration, how can you rush into where people are?" "Watching the video, it’s hard to believe it was sudden acceleration," "I hope the investigation quickly uncovers the truth," and "Everything should come out from the black box footage, so why is it taking so long?" They urged for a swift determination of the cause.
Among those who died in the accident on the 1st were two Seoul city employees. The deceased, Mr. Kim (52), started his public service career as a grade 9 tax officer and was promoted to grade 5 administrative officer, initially assigned to the Administration Bureau handling North Korean defectors. In January this year, he took on the role of team leader in charge of security. Seoul City was in a state of deep mourning throughout the day after losing two colleagues in the accident. The two deceased officials were reportedly dining together at a nearby restaurant before the tragedy. They were either former tax officers or colleagues currently working in the Finance Bureau.
On the night of the 2nd, a large traffic accident occurred near Exit 7 of City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, and mourners continue to visit the accident site. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Another victim, Mr. Park (42), was a deputy branch manager at a commercial bank. On the day of the accident, he was announced on the promotion list for the second half of the year’s regular personnel reshuffle. The next day, he was scheduled for reassignment to another center. Mr. Park had dinner with three senior colleagues, one of whom was also preparing for a transfer as a center head at another branch. They exchanged congratulations and encouragement regarding their promotions and transfers but were struck while waiting at a crosswalk near the accident site. Three people, including Mr. Park, died on the spot, and Mr. Lee (52) was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but was pronounced dead. The other three victims were parking management staff working at a large hospital in Seoul. They were also returning from a meal together.
Citizens Continue to Visit the Accident Site to Pay Tribute
Citizens’ tributes to the victims continued. On the morning of the day, near the accident site, a guardrail separating the road and sidewalk bore a memorial message reading, "May the dreams of the deceased come true in the afterlife." Some citizens left chrysanthemum bouquets to honor the deceased. The accident site still bore traces of that night. In some sections, temporary fences replaced the metal guardrails that had been torn out by the impact. Some shops directly hit by the vehicle remained closed due to the aftermath. There were also stores repairing broken windows.
On the night of the 2nd, a large traffic accident occurred near Exit 7 of City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul. Chrysanthemums and memorial notes have been placed at the accident site. [Photo by Yonhap News]
A police officer who said he was working at City Hall Station at the time explained on the workplace community 'Blind,' "This is a place where police officers work 24-hour shifts. I was one of them, waiting on a bus during an overnight shift when suddenly there was a loud bang like a bolt from the blue." He added, "We heard people screaming, and multiple urgent radio calls came in simultaneously, it was pure chaos." He continued, "Dozens of officers waiting inside and dozens more nearby all rushed out. People were lying down, covered in blood. It’s really going to cause trauma."
Another netizen who works near City Hall Station said, "It’s a place I passed by every day, but now my hands and feet tremble, and I’m afraid to go near," and "No matter where I go, I keep looking back, worried a car will rush at me." Some netizens among them also called for severe punishment of the driver.
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