"Momentary Loss of Consciousness" Driver Who Caused 16 Casualties Was Driving Under the Influence of Medication

Nine-Vehicle Collision in Downtown Daejeon Leaves One Dead, Fifteen Injured
Psychotropic Substance Detected in Blood Test

It has been confirmed that a driver in his 40s, who caused a chain-reaction collision in downtown Daejeon resulting in 16 casualties, was driving under the influence of medication. The police plan to refer the case to the prosecution soon, applying charges of driving under the influence of drugs and causing death.

Tesla passenger car involved in the accident. Daejeon Fire Department Headquarters

The Daejeon Yuseong Police Station announced on December 15 that it had booked a driver in his 40s, identified as Mr. A, on charges of causing death under the Special Act on Traffic Accident Handling and driving under the influence of drugs under the Road Traffic Act.

Mr. A is accused of driving a Tesla passenger car and consecutively colliding with a motorcycle and eight other vehicles on a road in Doryong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, at around 1:50 p.m. on November 8. The accident resulted in the death of the motorcycle driver and injuries to 15 people, including drivers and passengers in the affected vehicles.

The police obtained statements from Mr. A and a passenger, such as "I briefly lost consciousness at the time of the accident" and "I saw him lose consciousness," and have been focusing their investigation on whether there were any underlying medical conditions and their connection to the accident.

During the police investigation, Mr. A stated that he has epilepsy and had taken related medication on the day of the accident. According to the National Forensic Service's analysis, benzodiazepine was detected in Mr. A's blood.

Benzodiazepine is a substance commonly found in psychotropic drugs and is known to cause side effects such as drowsiness and reduced concentration, which can affect driving ability.

A police official stated, "It was determined that Mr. A was driving under the influence of medication, and there was also a possibility of shock due to an underlying medical condition. Based on the suspect's statements, black box footage, and other investigation results, we concluded that there was sufficient evidence of the charges."

The police plan to refer Mr. A to the prosecution without detention on December 16, upon completion of the investigation.