SEOUL: At least nine people were killed and four others were injured when a car crashed into pedestrians in downtown Seoul on Monday, Yonhap news agency quoted the police.
Initially, seven injured individuals were transported to a hospital, three of whom were in cardiac arrest. They were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The accident took place at an intersection near Seoul City Hall at around 9.27 pm, according to the police.
A vehicle driven by a man believed to be in his 60s ploughed into pedestrians waiting at a traffic signal.
Police said the vehicle was driving in the wrong direction, colliding with two vehicles before hitting people.
The driver was apprehended at the scene. He is said to be claiming that the car suddenly accelerated.
In a related development, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday ordered officials to make the utmost efforts to rescue victims and treat them following the fatal car accident in downtown Seoul.
Yoon made the emergency order to Interior Minister Lee Sang.
Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident. – BERNAMA-YONHAP
