Truck Collision Of Pedestrians In South Korea Market, 2 People Died, Dozens Injured

JAKARTA - The truck hit pedestrians in a market in South Korea, killing two people and injuring 18 others.

The two people were declared dead in hospital after the incident just before 11.00 a.m. in the city of Bucheon, near the capital Seoul.

Nine people were seriously injured among 18 injured, the Bucheon city government said, adding that it was not clear whether there were life-threatening injuries.

Police are examining an unidentified truck driver in his 60s, who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, said Son Byeong-sam, a police official in Bucheon.

Park Geum-cheon, Bucheon firefighters, said eyewitnesses explained the truck initially withdrew about 28 meters before advancing 150 meters and crashing into pedestrians on the road.

"The driver claims his vehicle has malfunctioned and officers are reviewing the security camera footage," he said.

Photos from the scene showed a truck pinned at the front of the shop between piles of debris, including collapsed boxes, damaged clothes, and boards. The front left side of the truck was shattered and the window was broken.

Officers then moved the vehicle from the scene to investigate the accident.

Bucheon will support the restoration of damaged facilities, Mayor Cho Yong-eek said in a statement.

The city will also carry out safety inspections and provide psychological support for traders and others who witnessed the accident.