The Police investigation has determined that the tragic accident near City Hall Station in central Seoul on July 1, which resulted in nine fatalities, was caused by driver error.
The Seoul Namdaemun Police Station revealed the findings on August 1, stating, "Contrary to the suspect's claims, it has been confirmed that the accident was due to driver error."
The driver, identified as Mr. Cha, has been referred to the prosecution on charges of causing death and injury due to professional negligence under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents.
Mr. Cha had previously claimed that the accident occurred due to sudden unintended acceleration caused by a mechanical failure, stating that the brakes became stiff and unresponsive. However, the investigation, based on the National Forensic Service's analysis, found no mechanical defects in the vehicle's acceleration or braking systems. The Event Data Recorder (EDR) showed that the brake pedal was not engaged from five seconds before the accident until the collision. Additionally, CCTV footage did not show the brake lights activating.
The police further explained that data from the vehicle indicated the accelerator pedal was repeatedly pressed and released, suggesting the driver mistakenly kept pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. The analysis also confirmed that the pattern on the sole of Mr. Cha's shoe matched the accelerator pedal, supporting the conclusion of driver error.
The accident occurred on the night of July 1 when Mr. Cha drove his car out of a hotel near City Hall Station in Seoul, reversed into the wrong lane, and struck a safety fence, pedestrians, and two other vehicles in sequence. The incident resulted in the deaths of nine people, including two City Hall employees, four bank employees, and three hospital contract workers, with a total of 16 victims, including seven serious injuries.
During a court appearance for his warrant hearing on the 30th of last month, Mr. Cha expressed remorse, saying, "I apologize to the deceased and their families."
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