A one-ton truck crashed into a flea market in Anseong, South Korea, killing a mother and her middle school son and injuring five others. The driver, a temporary city worker, has changed his statement regarding the cause of the accident, and police have applied for an arrest warrant.
According to Yonhap News, the incident occurred at 11:18 a.m. at the Gongdo Children's Park in Gongdo-eup, Anseong, where a flea market was being held. The truck, loaded with second-hand goods, struck seven people.
A woman in her 40s and her teenage son were transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest but later died. Three others, including a woman in her 20s and a man in his 20s, as well as a man in his 60s, suffered injuries such as leg fractures and were taken to the hospital. Two others, including a woman in her 50s who showed symptoms of respiratory distress, received emergency treatment at the scene.
At the time of the accident, many people were gathered at the flea market, which was organized by the city of Anseong and the Anseong Sustainable Development Council as part of the '2026 Green Market of Sharing.' CCTV footage from near the scene confirmed that the truck suddenly pushed about 25 meters into the park. The vehicle is reported to be owned by the city of Anseong.
Police believe that the driver, a 60-year-old man identified as A, was attempting to stop the truck to unload the second-hand goods when the accident occurred. Initially, A stated to police that he mistook the accelerator for the brake, but later changed his account to say that the truck had suddenly accelerated. Investigations revealed that he had not been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Police have detained A for questioning and have applied for an arrest warrant on charges of causing death and injury under the Special Act on Traffic Accidents. They plan to send the vehicle to the National Forensic Service for a detailed examination to determine the cause of the accident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident, interviewing the driver and witnesses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.