SEOUL: Over 80 individuals, including children, sustained injuries in two separate road accidents in South Korea, authorities confirmed. In one incident, three school buses carrying 75 middle-school students and their teachers were involved in a multi-vehicle crash on a highway east of Seoul, resulting in numerous injuries. Meanwhile, in another accident in Chungju, one Israeli tourist lost their life, and 34 others were injured when a tour bus tipped over in North Chungcheong Province.
The school bus collision occurred in the county of Hongcheon, Gangwon province, during a field trip. According to the Gangwon State Fire Headquarters, the incident occurred on National Road No. 44. Three buses were part of a “chain-reaction” pileup involving a total of seven vehicles. Police and firefighters rushed to the scene to rescue the injured individuals, and approximately 30 firefighters participated in the operation. Reuters reported that three people, including two students, were seriously injured in the crash.
In a separate tragedy in Chungju, a tour bus carrying 32 Israeli tourists veered sideways in the North Chungcheong Province. The accident, which resulted in 34 injuries and one fatality, took place around 6:05 p.m. in Suanbo-myeon. The bus had departed from the city of Gyeongju and was en route to Suanbo, where the tourists were scheduled to spend the night. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident, focusing on the driver’s testimony regarding a faulty gear.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry Response
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has stated its commitment to providing necessary support to the Israeli victims upon the request of the Israeli Embassy in Seoul. The ministry aims to assist the affected individuals and their families during this challenging time.
Both incidents have underscored the importance of road safety and have prompted authorities to further investigate the causes behind the accidents. The government and related agencies are expected to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors alike.
