Disaster and Safety Headquarters Activated
Top Priority on Public Safety and Accident Response
Police to Seek Warrant for Man in His 60s Responsible for "21 Casualties" Truck Crash
On the morning of the 13th, Mayor Jo Yongik of Bucheon ordered a comprehensive response to the truck crash that occurred at Jeil Market, instructing officials to "implement swift and decisive support measures for the affected citizens and market merchants, going beyond the limits of departments and regulations."
That afternoon, Mayor Jo convened an emergency disaster and safety countermeasures meeting, stating, "We must pool our wisdom to find ways to alleviate the suffering of citizens, even beyond the scope of laws and systems." He added, "Respond proactively on-site so that not a single affected merchant or bereaved family member experiences inconvenience, and mobilize all available administrative resources."
He also emphasized, "We must provide sufficient psychological counseling to merchants, citizens, and witnesses to prevent trauma, and establish a long-term support system for recovery."
Immediately after the accident, Mayor Jo visited the scene to assess the situation, urging, "Closely monitor to ensure there are no gaps in the treatment of the injured," and stressing, "Protecting the lives and safety of citizens must take precedence over any administrative task."
Mayor Jo Yong-ik of Bucheon visited Jeil Market, where a truck crash occurred on the 13th, to inspect the site and talk with citizens. Bucheon City
In response to the accident, Bucheon City set up a Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and activated on-site response systems by relevant departments to support the bereaved families, the injured, and market merchants. Emergency medical stations and disaster psychological support personnel were deployed at the scene, and dedicated officials were assigned to major medical institutions to provide close guidance and support for treatment and funeral procedures.
The city plans to provide both direct and indirect support to victims as quickly as possible through the Disaster Relief Fund and Citizens' Safety Insurance. Additionally, the city will implement measures to prevent recurrence, including restoring damaged facilities within the market, installing additional CCTV cameras, and restricting vehicle access during certain hours.
Mayor Jo stated, "I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their precious lives in this unexpected accident and to their families, and I sincerely wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured." He continued, "Bucheon City will do its utmost, with a sense of responsibility to the end, to restore the damage and create a safe traditional market environment."
At approximately 10:54 a.m. that day, at Jeil Market in Wonjong-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, a 67-year-old man, identified as A, drove a 1-ton truck into the market, resulting in the deaths of two women in their 60s and 70s and injuries to 19 others.
During police questioning, A was unable to consistently explain the circumstances of the accident, stating, "I was not in a clear state of mind at the time." However, it was reported that A did not claim "sudden unintended acceleration" as the cause of the accident during the investigation.
A is known to suffer from underlying health conditions such as moyamoya disease, a cerebrovascular disorder, and is taking medication, but reportedly stated, "The condition has nothing to do with driving and does not hinder my ability to drive at all." He also claimed, "No doctor or pharmacist has ever told me not to drive," and "I have not experienced any symptoms severe enough to prevent me from driving."
The police believe that the accident was most likely caused by A's "pedal misapplication," rather than sudden unintended acceleration, and plan to verify the cause by requesting an analysis of the truck's Event Data Recorder (EDR) from the Korea Road Traffic Authority and the National Forensic Service.
The police intend to apply for an arrest warrant for A on charges of death and injury under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents.
At around 10:55 a.m. on the 13th, a truck driving through Jeil Market in Wonjong-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, crashed into the front of a store, resulting in 2 deaths and 19 injuries. Photo by Yonhap News.
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