The scene of the accident. [Provided by North Gyeongsang Province Fire Department]
The scene of the accident. [Provided by North Gyeongsang Province Fire Department]

A Mercedes-Benz sedan rear-ended a 25-ton tank truck in the third lane of the Gyeongbu Expressway in Yuldong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, at around 4:46 a.m. Wednesday. The collision occurred 70 kilometers from the Busan end of the expressway, with both vehicles heading toward Seoul.

The Mercedes-Benz flipped over in the crash and the tank truck fell onto its side, leaving the truck driver with minor injuries.

About 4,000 liters of gasoline spilled from the tank truck's total load of 28,000 liters. Fire department authorities worked with relevant agencies to contain the spill.

The tank truck driver complained of pain in his arm and other areas and is receiving treatment.

Three of the four Seoul-bound lanes between Gyeongju IC and Seogyeongju IC were closed following the accident before traffic resumed at around 8:03 a.m.

Police and fire authorities are investigating the cause of the accident by questioning the drivers involved.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com