25.11.30.Today News : Runner in his 20s struck by truck during marathon ultimately dies

Runner in his 20s struck by truck during marathon ultimately dies

📍20-year-old leading runner struck by truck driven by man in his 80s; dies after 20 days on life support as criticism grows over roadside control and event management

A young elite marathon runner from the Cheongju City Athletics Team has died 20 days after being struck by a truck during a race in Okcheon, Chungbuk. The accident, caused by an elderly driver entering an inadequately controlled lane, is raising serious concerns about event safety and operational negligence.

A runner leading a marathon held in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province, was struck by a truck and declared brain dead. After 20 days of life-sustaining treatment, the runner ultimately died.

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🔹 Overview of the Accident
On the morning of the 10th, during a marathon held in Okcheon, Chungbuk, a 1-ton Porter truck struck a leading runner, A, who was competing for the Cheongju City team. The truck, driven at roughly 57 km/h, suddenly changed lanes from an uncontrolled first lane and hit the runner from behind.

🔹 Inadequate Traffic Control
The road where the race took place consisted of two lanes, but only one lane was blocked for the marathon. The remaining lane was open to general traffic, meaning runners and vehicles shared the same roadway. Police noted that although the road was not congested, the driver failed to notice the runner.

🔹 Elderly Driver's Statement and Investigation
The driver, a man in his 80s, stated he “did not see the runner because he was looking at the traffic light about 100 meters ahead.” Although not intoxicated, his age-related limitations are being considered. Police have upgraded the charge to “death by negligent driving under the Special Traffic Accident Act.”

🔹 Death After 20 Days on Life Support
A suffered severe head and body injuries and never regained consciousness after the collision. Despite 20 days of life support treatment, he was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m. on the 30th.

🔹 Loss of a Promising Talent
A was known as a rising marathon talent with strong achievements. Actor and marathon commentator Jin Tae-hyun said, “He was a passionate young runner with a 2:13 record this year. I cannot understand how only one lane was controlled.”

🔹 Growing Responsibility Debate for Event Organizers
Organized by the Chungbuk Athletics Federation, the race covered 77.5 km on the first day alone. Following the accident, the event was immediately canceled. Calls for reform regarding race safety, elderly driver standards, and traffic control procedures are growing nationwide.

One-line summary : A young elite marathon runner hit by an elderly driver’s truck during a Chungbuk race has died after 20 days on life support, intensifying criticism over inadequate event safety control.