Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Prime Minister, Kim Min‑seok, has ordered a joint investigation with the Interior Ministry into a recent river bus mishap on the Han River. The probe will also help shape new safety rules for the city’s water‑bus network.
The incident happened on Saturday when one of the Han River water‑bus boats stalled near a southeastern Seoul dock. The craft had slipped into shallow water, prompting an immediate stop. All 82 passengers were rescued safely by police and fire crews.
Prime Minister Kim said the accident raised serious safety questions. He wonders whether the Seoul city government factored in the river’s topography when picking dock locations and routes. “We must review how we plan these routes to prevent future accidents,” he told reporters.
The Seoul city government apologized for the inconvenience and said it would review its operations more closely. The city confirmed that it carried out the usual safety‑response procedures after the incident.
The water‑bus service was a flagship project of former Mayor Oh Se‑hoon, but it has come under fire from opposition lawmakers who say it lacks sufficient safety safeguards. The latest incident could push for reforms, say officials.
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In other news, a court in Incheon issued an arrest warrant on Saturday for a truck driver in his 60s. The man was blamed for a deadly collision at Jeil Market in Bucheon, about 20 km southwest of Seoul, that killed two people and injured 19 others.
The driver, 67, is fighting a claim of bodily incapacity. He has Moyamoya disease, a rare brain‑vascular condition, and was told by police that his medical condition is unrelated to his driving. In court, however, he admitted he’d taken no recent treatment because his work at a local store kept him busy.
Police evidence from the truck’s dash‑cam shows the driver stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake at the crash time. Investigators suspect the incident was caused by pedal misoperation rather than a sudden surge. Arrest warrants were issued because of a “risk of flight” concern.
With 21 casualties in the market tragedy—two vendors and 19 customers—South Korean authorities are keeping the public closely informed as legal action moves forward.
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