Police are investigating a tragic car crash in Changwon that killed three university students early Wednesday. The driver reportedly lost control while speeding on a wet road.
Data from the car’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) shows it was traveling at a staggering 161 kilometers per hour (about 100 miles per hour), significantly exceeding the speed limit by more than two and a half times just moments before the crash.
The accident unfolded around 5 a.m. as the students drove toward a government complex. Their vehicle crashed into a bus parked along the roadside. All three occupants, men in their 20s, were classmates from the same university. The car belonged to the driver’s parents.
As investigations continue, police found that the driver made attempts to steer or brake before the collision. They are looking into whether the vehicle lost traction due to hydroplaning, a situation where water builds up between the tires and the road, leading to dangerous skids.
Interestingly, police have yet to determine why the vehicle was speeding. Unfortunately, there are no eyewitness accounts since the three died in the crash.
Authorities also aimed to determine if alcohol played a role by sending blood samples for testing. However, they couldn’t proceed with tests because a warrant wasn’t sought, and there were no living suspects to question.
“We are talking to people who knew the victims and the driver of the bus,” a police spokesperson stated. “We will analyze the findings from the EDR along with witness accounts to establish the cause of this tragic incident.”
The vehicle struck the bus while traveling in the third lane of a five-lane road. The bus, which was parked outside of allowed hours and partly in a no-parking zone, does not appear to be a direct cause of the crash.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, the university will offer counseling and support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
This event highlights the dangers of speeding, especially in adverse weather conditions. According to recent statistics, speeding is a leading factor in nearly 30% of all fatal car crashes, emphasizing the need for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits.
For further details on hydroplaning and safety measures, you may refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s resources here.
