Advertisement

Seoul subway train got faulty signal before crash

Cause of crash a malfunction in the automatic distance control system, CEO of Seoul Metro says

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
0
Mechanics try to repair one of the trains that collided in Seoul on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

A subway train got a faulty ‘go’ signal before it ploughed into another train in the South Korean capital, slightly injuring more than 240 people, the subway operator said on Saturday.

Though the case is still under investigation, the malfunction in the automatic distance control system is presumed to have caused the crash on Friday afternoon, Chang Jung-woo, CEO of Seoul Metro, told reporters.

“Normally, the signal should be given in the order of ‘stop’ and then ‘caution.’ But at the time of the accident the signal was given in the order of ‘stop,’ and then ‘go-ahead’,” Chang said.

The driver of the moving train applied its emergency brakes after noticing the stopped train ahead, but wasn’t able to halt it in time, Chang said.

Workers try to restore subway operations at Sangwangsimni Station on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua
Workers try to restore subway operations at Sangwangsimni Station on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

Hospitals treated 249 people, mostly for bruises and minor injuries, though three had surgeries for broken bones, according to Seoul Metro.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2-3x faster
1.1x
220 WPM
Slow
Normal
Fast
1.1x