Driver Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison Over Fatal Truck Crash at Bucheon Market

By sparkchronicle.com Jun 9, 2026 0

SOUTH KOREA : A South Korean court has sentenced a truck driver to 2½ years in prison over a deadly crash at Bucheon’s traditional market that killed four people and injured 18 others.

By Sam Khan
Published: June 8, 2026

A South Korean court has sentenced a 67-year-old truck driver to two and a half years in prison over a devastating crash at a traditional market in Bucheon, which killed four people and injured 18 others.

The deadly accident, which shocked South Korea, took place at Jeil Market in Bucheon, west of Seoul, when a truck suddenly ploughed through a crowded market area filled with vendors and shoppers.

The ruling brings a major legal development in one of the country’s most tragic traffic incidents in recent months.

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What Happened at Bucheon Market?

The fatal crash occurred on November 13, 2025, at Jeil Market, a busy traditional market in Bucheon.

According to investigators, the truck unexpectedly accelerated through the market, crashing into pedestrians, stalls and nearby structures.

The incident resulted in:

4 deaths
18 injuries
Major damage to market shops and stalls.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as people scrambled for safety while the vehicle moved through the crowded market lane.

The tragedy quickly drew national attention due to the scale of casualties and the crowded public setting.

What Caused the Crash?

Authorities said investigations found the accident was caused by driver error rather than vehicle malfunction.

According to court findings, the driver had reportedly:

Left the truck in reverse gear while exiting the vehicle
Attempted to stop the moving truck
Accidentally shifted into “drive” instead of braking
Pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

Investigators concluded that the crash was caused by a pedal error, rejecting suggestions of sudden unintended acceleration.

The truck reportedly travelled a considerable distance through the market before finally stopping.

Court’s Decision

The Bucheon branch of the Incheon District Court sentenced the driver to 2½ years in prison.

In its ruling, the court reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the tragedy, noting that multiple lives were lost and many others suffered injuries.

However, the court also considered several mitigating factors, including:

The driver admitted wrongdoing
Settlements were reportedly reached with some victims’ families
Medical evaluations linked to the driver’s health condition did not directly connect to the crash.

The sentence has already sparked debate online, with some people questioning whether the punishment was too lenient considering the number of deaths.

Driver’s Health Condition Examined

During the investigation, reports emerged that the driver suffered from a cerebrovascular disorder, a condition affecting blood flow to the brain.

However, medical evaluations reportedly found no direct evidence that the illness caused the accident.

As a result, responsibility remained focused on driving mistakes rather than medical incapacity.

A Tragedy That Shocked South Korea

The Bucheon market crash deeply affected local communities and raised concerns around:

Elderly driver safety
Pedal misapplication accidents
Commercial vehicle control
Safety in crowded public markets.

The incident also reignited wider discussions in South Korea about preventing accidental acceleration crashes, particularly involving older drivers.

FAQs

1. What happened at Bucheon Market?

A truck crashed into a crowded traditional market, killing four people and injuring 18 others.

2. How long was the driver sentenced for?

The court sentenced the driver to 2½ years in prison.

3. What caused the crash?

Investigators concluded it was caused by pedal error, where the accelerator was pressed instead of the brake.

4. Did the driver claim a medical issue?

Yes, but evaluations reportedly found no direct link between his condition and the accident.

5. When did the crash happen?

The fatal incident occurred in November 2025.

Final Thoughts

The sentencing marks another painful chapter in a tragedy that left families grieving and a community traumatised.

While the court has delivered its verdict, the Bucheon market crash continues to raise difficult questions about road safety, elderly driving and how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.