At Least Nine Killed as Car Ploughs into Pedestrians in Seoul, South Korea

A car driven by a 68-year-old man ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians in Seoul, South Korea, killing at least 9 people and injuring several others, highlighting concerns over road safety in the country.

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Nitish Verma
New Update
seoul

A devastating traffic accident occurred in the South Korean capital of Seoul on Monday, leaving at least nine people dead and several others injured. According to police, the incident took place at around 21:30 local time (13:30 BST) when a car driven by a 68-year-old man ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians waiting at a traffic stop.

The vehicle, which was reportedly driving in the wrong direction, crashed into two other cars before making contact with the pedestrians. The driver, who was arrested at the scene, claimed that the car suddenly accelerated. Six people died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries later.

The accident occurred at an intersection near Seoul city hall, and police are currently investigating the incident. They have warned that the casualty numbers might increase as the investigation unfolds. At least four people have been taken to hospital, and their conditions are yet to be disclosed.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety in South Korea, where pedestrians account for a significant proportion of road deaths. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), pedestrians in South Korea accounted for 35% of all road deaths in 2022, a high share compared to other OECD countries .

Why it Matters : This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved road safety measures in South Korea. The country has made progress in reducing road fatalities in recent years, but more needs to be done to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. The OECD report highlights the importance of implementing effective road safety policies, including improving road infrastructure, enhancing enforcement, and promoting public awareness campaigns.

As the investigation into this incident continues, it is essential to identify the root causes of the accident and take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The South Korean government must prioritize road safety and work towards creating a safer environment for all road users.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least nine people were killed when a car ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians in Seoul, South Korea.
  • The driver, a 68-year-old man, claimed that the car suddenly accelerated, and he has been arrested at the scene.
  • Pedestrians in South Korea account for 35% of all road deaths, a high share compared to other OECD countries.
  • The country has made progress in reducing road fatalities in recent years, but more needs to be done to protect vulnerable road users.
  • The incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures, including better road infrastructure, enhanced enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.