Taxi Driver Arrested After Deadly Crash, Tests Positive for Morphine

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Taxi Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash in Seoul

A taxi driver in his late 70s has been placed under emergency arrest following a deadly crash in central Seoul. The incident occurred on Friday evening and resulted in the death of one person, with nine others injured. According to police, the driver tested positive for morphine, raising concerns about the cause of the accident.

The crash happened around 6 p.m. when the driver’s electric taxi struck a car on a street near Jonggak Station. The vehicle then collided with a traffic pole at a crosswalk before hitting another vehicle and ultimately plowing into pedestrians. The sequence of events led to tragic consequences, with one woman losing her life and several others sustaining injuries.

Authorities have confirmed that no signs of drunk driving were found during initial investigations. However, a preliminary drug test revealed the presence of morphine in the suspect’s system. This finding has prompted further action from law enforcement. The National Forensic Service is expected to conduct a detailed analysis to determine the extent of the driver’s impairment and whether the drug played a role in the accident.

Among the injured individuals, there were one Indian national and three Indonesian nationals, according to officials. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, and authorities are working to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of elderly drivers, particularly those operating vehicles in busy urban areas. While the driver was not found to be under the influence of alcohol, the presence of morphine raises questions about his ability to safely operate a vehicle. Further investigation is needed to understand the circumstances that led to the crash and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Local residents and commuters have expressed concern over the accident, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of drivers, especially those in their later years. Some have called for increased awareness campaigns to educate older drivers about the risks associated with impaired driving.

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The case highlights the importance of regular health check-ups and drug testing for drivers, particularly those operating commercial vehicles such as taxis.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the critical role that driver responsibility plays in ensuring public safety. It also underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve road safety measures and support systems for elderly drivers. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate actions based on the findings of the forensic analysis.

The community remains hopeful that this incident will lead to meaningful changes that prevent future accidents and protect the lives of all road users.