A shocking scene unfolded in Bucheon, South Korea, when a truck suddenly plowed through a bustling outdoor market, killing two elderly women and injuring at least 18 others in what witnesses are calling “total chaos.”
The terrifying crash happened late Thursday morning when the truck, driven by a man in his 60s, reportedly reversed before surging forward for nearly 500 feet, mowing down pedestrians and crashing into a storefront. “I was eating inside the store when I heard screams outside, followed by a loud bang,” said local vendor Jin Mo, 43. “It was like something out of a movie — people were running everywhere.”
Authorities rushed to the scene as firefighters and medics worked frantically to pull victims from the wreckage. Two women in their 70s were pronounced dead after suffering cardiac arrest.
The driver, who was trapped inside the vehicle, was rescued and taken into custody. He told police the truck’s brakes failed and blamed a sudden surge of acceleration for the crash. Officials have booked him under South Korea’s Traffic Accident Special Act for negligent homicide and injury.
Police confirmed the man tested negative for alcohol or drugs. Investigators are now reviewing security footage and examining the vehicle to determine what caused the deadly malfunction.
“This was a horrifying tragedy in one of the busiest areas of the city,” said Park Geum-cheon, an official with Bucheon’s fire department. “Our team is doing everything we can to uncover the truth.”
The bustling marketplace, normally filled with shoppers and food stalls, has now become a scene of mourning — a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly ordinary life can turn to tragedy.
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