Western Seoul turned into a scene of horror on Friday when a runaway city bus careened into pedestrians at a crowded intersection, critically injuring two and wounding 11 more. The crash near Seodaemun Station has sparked a full investigation into what caused the vehicle to lose control.

It was about 1:15 PM when the intracity bus, carrying passengers, suddenly veered from its lane. It struck a car, a motorcycle, and multiple walkers before embedding itself in a nearby structure. Panic spread as people scattered, with local media reporting widespread confusion.

Rescue teams acted swiftly, transporting the most serious cases—a 50-year-old woman with a broken leg and a 30-something man bleeding profusely from the head—to hospitals. Six others received medical attention alongside them. The bus driver, aged 50 and also hurt, faces a mandatory drug screening.

Police have ruled out alcohol initially but are probing deeper. One bystander said the bus was steady until it inexplicably hit everything in its path. A female victim recalled deafening sounds reminiscent of war before escaping the mayhem.

Over 270 responders and 18 vehicles were deployed to clear the wreckage and restore order. The administration is leaving no stone unturned to pinpoint the fault.

Echoing this disaster, North Gyeongsang saw catastrophe on January 10 due to black ice. Five perished in chain reactions on the Seo-san-Yeongdeok Expressway. A truck driver’s fatal tumble off the road set off the horror, followed by a sedan crash killing four, possibly linked to a trailer impact. An SUV ignited after colliding with a truck.

Authorities tallied five deaths by late morning, with numerous injuries and potential involvement of 20+ vehicles. Traffic halts ensued, and officials attribute the pile-ups to frozen rain and ice, issuing stark winter driving warnings.