Two dead and 18 injured in a serious road accident in South Korea, where a truck drove onto the sidewalk at a market during a press conference that was being broadcast live.
The incident occurred at around 10:55 a.m. (local time) in Bucheon, west of Seoul. The truck, driven by a 60-year-old man, suddenly climbed onto the sidewalk and entered the market area.
The collision initially injured 21 people. Three women aged 70 and 80 suffered cardiac arrest at the scene and died, while nine others suffered serious injuries.
Firefighters sent about 20 vehicles and 60 officers to the scene. According to police, the driver, who was taken into custody, initially backed up about 30 meters and then hit the gas, losing control. He underwent a breathalyzer test, which came back negative.
The 60-year-old stated that the accident occurred due to a sudden increase in engine speed, which he was unable to control. The truck traveled about 100 meters inside the market before crashing into a shop and finally stopping. Police are investigating the exact causes of the accident.
