Driver who killed nine pedestrians in Seoul investigated for involuntary manslaughter
The driver of a car that killed nine people when it hit a group of pedestrians waiting at an intersection in the capital of South Korea will be investigated for manslaughter, Seoul police said.
The vehicle ran over several people on Monday night in central Seoul, after allegedly heading in the wrong direction and colliding with two other cars.
Six other people were injured, including the driver, who was detained.
According to the South Korean press, the driver told authorities that the car “accelerated suddenly and without intention”.
A senior Seoul police officer, Jung Yong Woo, told local reporters that the vehicle that caused the accident will be examined by a specialized team.
Authorities are also considering the possibility of requesting a formal arrest warrant to keep the driver detained, Jung said.
Police said Tuesday that tests showed the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The suspect was hospitalized, but authorities refused to reveal the identity of the detained driver.
South Korean media reported that he was a bus driver “around 60 years old”, residing in Ansan, a city south of Seoul, with 40 years of driving experience. O.
