Earlier today in Bucheon, a city west of Seoul, a truck driven by a man in his 60s plowed into the sidewalk at a bustling market, killing two women in their 70s and injuring 18 others.
According to Yonhap news agency, the incident unfolded at about 10:55 a.m. local time when the vehicle crashed into stalls and pedestrians. Among the injured are three in critical condition with impaired consciousness and six classified as emergency patients.
The driver, arrested at the scene, told police his brakes failed. Authorities suspect he may have mistaken the accelerator for the brake. Preliminary data shows the truck reversed roughly 28 meters before accelerating forward approximately 150 meters through the market aisles.
For many young travelers and local residents, markets are the heart of urban life. This tragedy raises fresh questions about safety protocols in crowded public spaces and vehicle maintenance standards.
South Korean authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
