Seoul Driver Faces Probe After Tragic Car Accident

A driver involved in a car accident in Seoul that resulted in nine deaths will undergo investigation for alleged accidental homicide. The accident occurred when the driver’s car accelerated unexpectedly, hitting pedestrians and other vehicles. He was detained immediately, and authorities plan further examinations and possibly an extended detainment.

A driver involved in a harrowing car accident in Seoul that killed nine people will undergo an investigation for alleged accidental homicide, police confirmed Tuesday.

On Monday night, the passenger car, reportedly traveling in the wrong direction, struck pedestrians at a crowded traffic light in central Seoul after colliding with two other vehicles. The incident left six others injured, including the driver, who was detained on-site.

Authorities revealed Tuesday that tests confirmed the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver claimed that his car had accelerated abruptly and unintentionally. Police are considering a formal arrest warrant to extend his detention for the investigation. The vehicle will be examined by the country's forensic agency.

Although police withheld the driver's identity due to privacy laws, local media reported he is a bus driver in his late 60s from Ansan, south of Seoul, with 40 years of driving experience.