[26.01.04] 11 people killed or injured while handling a traffic accident on the highway

Police Officer, Tow Truck Driver Killed by Drowsy Driver While Handling Highway Accident

📍Second crash at Seohaean Expressway leaves nine injured, including paramedics

A tragic accident occurred on the Seohaean Expressway in North Jeolla Province when a drowsy driver crashed into an accident scene, killing a police officer and a tow truck driver who were responding to an earlier collision.

Detective Lee Seung-cheol, who was managing a traffic accident on the West Coast Expressway, was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a drowsy driver.

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🔹 First Crash Caused by Drunk Driving
According to North Jeolla Police and fire authorities, a collision between two passenger vehicles occurred at around 1:23 a.m. near the Gochang Junction on the northbound Seohaean Expressway.

The first accident began when a vehicle driven under the influence of alcohol stopped in the first lane and was rear-ended by another car.

🔹 Emergency Response at the Scene
Police officer Inspector Lee Seung-cheol (55) from the Highway Patrol Division, along with a tow truck and 119 paramedics, arrived at the scene to investigate the accident and assist the injured.

All emergency vehicles were parked on the roadway with warning lights activated.

🔹 SUV Crashes Into Accident Site
While the scene was being cleared, an SUV approaching from behind failed to slow down and crashed directly into the accident site.

Inspector Lee and a tow truck driver in his 30s were critically injured and later pronounced dead.
Nine others, including two paramedics, the SUV driver B (38), his family members, and occupants of other vehicles, were taken to hospitals with injuries.

🔹 Driver Admits to Drowsy Driving
The SUV driver told police he had been drowsy while driving. No signs of alcohol or drug use have been detected so far.

Police noted that the accident scene was clearly visible due to multiple emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

🔹 Investigation Underway
Police have booked the SUV driver on charges of causing death and injury under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents and are investigating the exact cause of the crash.

🔹 Funeral Held With Police Honors
Inspector Lee’s funeral will be held with full police honors on June 6 at the North Jeolla Provincial Police Agency.

He joined the police force in July 1997 and was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated and compassionate officer.

🔹 “Anyone Can Be Anything”
A quote from the animated film Zootopia — “Anyone can be anything” — remains on Inspector Lee’s social media, symbolizing his dedication to public service.

He is survived by his spouse and two children.

One-line summary : A police officer and a tow truck driver were killed after a drowsy driver crashed into an accident scene on the Seohaean Expressway, leaving nine others injured.