▲ Derailed KTX Train Express

The No. 806 KTX Train Express derailed around at 7:35 in the morning. Four compartments jumped the rails, and there were 198 people in the train. Fortunately, there were not any fatality, but 14 people got contusion and transferred to the nearby hospital. The front two compartments were terribly buckled. The rest passengers were transferred to another train at Jinbu Station by buses.

▲ 14 people were transferred to hospital because of the contusion

It is the first time for KTX to have such a tragic accident. This KTX that runs between Seoul and Gangneung have not had an accident since it has opened. This train was used during PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympics. This train traveled 4,135 times and carried 1.06 million people. It did not have such minor crashes. Moreover, the train runs for 250km/h, so if the accident happens, it can lead to a serious problem. Fortunately, this time the train was running just 103km/h as it had departed the station 5 minutes before the accident.

On February 11th, 2011, the KTX Train Express departing from Busan had stopped at Gwangmyeong Station because of the loose nut in a train tracks switching box. Also, on August 31st, 2013, the KTX Train Express from Busan to Seoul was crashed with Mugunghwa Trains at Deagu. Besides, the KTX has stopped because of the faulty brake system, door malfunction, or defect from the current collector, but there was no derailment of KTX. Moreover, the KORAIL was supposed to conduct a safety system program, but the minor accidents are incessant.

▲ The restoration work was continued for two days.

The KTX Train Express from the Gangneung has a serious accident heading of the first anniversary. However, the cause of the accident has not confirmed yet. Two influential pieces of evidence of KTX Train Derailed accident are the abnormal track because of the cold, or the lost of contact. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport said that they will constitute Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board and have an inquiry into this accident.

December 15th, 2018

by 장유진