The tragedy in Seoul: interrogation and contradictions after the fatal accident

The police questioning took place three days after the Genesis G80 sedan, driven by a 68 year old mancrashed into a sidewalk railing and hit pedestrians while traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way road near Seoul City Hall.

There were a total of nine fatalities, six of whom died on the spot. Most of them were office workers from the vicinity of the site. Seven other pedestrians were injured. The driver was also admitted to hospital with fractured ribs.

Hybrid vehicles account for almost half of imported cars in South Korea in the first half of the year

On the interrogation of the driver Cha

The Namdaemun Police Station said it sent investigators to the hospital to question the driver, identified only by his last name, Cha.

Cha said his car suddenly accelerated out of control and that although he tried to brake, the brakes did not work at the time of the accident. Police said the driver reiterated his initial position during questioning.

However, some initial findings contradict his claims. Based on an ongoing analysis of the vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR), police suspect the driver pressed the accelerator hard shortly before the crash.

Police also found that the secondary brake light did not come on during the accident and no skid marks were found at the scene, findings that contradict the detainee’s claim.

Further investigations are expected to look into the basis for his claim of unintentional acceleration and why he entered the road in the wrong direction, as well as further details about his vehicle.

A Seoul court has denied an arrest warrant requested by police against the driver, saying there is no reason to evade police questioning as he is currently hospitalized and under police protection for his personal safety.