Investigation Concludes After Additional Driver Inquiry
A man in his 60s who caused the 'backward driving traffic accident at Sicheong Station' claimed 'sudden unintended acceleration,' but the National Forensic Service (NFS) investigation results pointed to driver fault.
On the 16th, Cho Ji-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a regular press briefing held at the Jongno-gu office in Seoul, "On the 11th, the NFS released investigation results that emphasized driver fault," adding, "I believe it is very close to the substantive truth. Although it is difficult to disclose specific details, based on these results, once we receive the driver's statement, we expect to conclude the investigation into the accident."
He continued, "Originally, the investigation was expected to take about one to two months, but considering the public interest and the seriousness of the case, we requested the NFS to expedite the process."
With decisive investigation results that can determine driver fault, the investigation is expected to accelerate. The police plan to continue questioning the driver, Mr. Cha (68), based on the NFS findings. They are also considering applying for an arrest warrant depending on Cha’s statements. The schedule for further investigation has not yet been decided.
Commissioner Cho stated, "Based on the information received from the NFS, it is necessary to verify whether it aligns with the key driver statements," adding, "The driver is currently complaining of rib pain, so we will monitor his condition and proceed with additional investigations."
According to the police, the NFS conducted a detailed analysis based on the Event Data Recorder (EDR) and other data, finding that the rear lights that were on at the time of the accident were not due to braking but caused by reflection or flicker phenomena. Reflection refers to light projected onto the brake lights from street lamps or building lights, not from the vehicle’s own lights. Flicker phenomenon refers to a momentary illumination of the vehicle body caused by an electronic malfunction due to external impact.
Meanwhile, the police will continue investigating those who posted insulting and mocking comments about the victims both online and offline. Commissioner Cho explained, "We have completed investigations into those who left insulting remarks at the memorial site," and added, "We are currently identifying six individuals who posted malicious comments online."
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