Two individuals have lost their lives, and a minimum of 18 others have sustained injuries following a truck collision with pedestrians at an open-air market. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, November 13, in Bucheon city, part of the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea, as confirmed by fire and police authorities.
The driver of the truck, a man in his 60s whose identity remains undisclosed, is being interrogated by the police. According to Son Byeong-sam, an official from the Bucheon police, the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An eyewitness mentioned that the truck seemed to be traveling at a high speed.
An image captured after the crash depicts the truck positioned in front of market stalls with two individuals inspecting the scene. Debris is strewn around, and the truck’s windshield is shattered.
An official from the fire department stated that the truck seemed to have reversed for 28 meters before accelerating down a passageway. Subsequently, it plowed through the market for 150 meters before halting.
Yonhap News Agency reported that two individuals succumbed to cardiac arrest, while 18 others sustained injuries. The driver was rescued after being trapped inside the vehicle. The incident transpired at approximately 10:55 am local time on Thursday.
The driver stated that the truck’s brakes had failed. He tested negative for alcohol intoxication, as per the police.
A witness recounted the terrifying moment when the truck crashed into the market, describing it as “really frightening.” The witness recalled hearing a loud noise and witnessing the vehicle careen forward, dragging people along in an instant of terror.
Situated about 16 miles west of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Bucheon attracts a substantial number of international tourists. The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reported that around 3.4 million foreign visitors had traveled to the country between January and March last year.
A trader named Jin, aged 43, shared his experience with The Chosun Daily, stating, “I was inside the store when I heard screams outside, followed by a loud crash as a car drove by and abruptly stopped.” Another market worker mentioned that the sound of the truck crashing was so thunderous that it felt like a building collapsing.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, reviewing security camera footage. Park Geum-cheon, an official from Bucheon’s fire station, mentioned that witnesses recounted the truck initially reversing 28 meters before striking pedestrians during a 150-meter forward drive.
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