A section of Gyeongbu Expressway near the city of Daegu was engulfed in a fire that spread from the spilled gas of a 32-ton diesel truck that collided with a roadside barrier after an accident involving another vehicle. Traffic was halted amid emergency firefighting, causing a massive jam in the middle of the day Friday.
(Yonhap)
The fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. and was contained by around 1:30 p.m.
Video reports from citizens at the scene showed strong flames licking up a stretch of tall barriers separating the expressway from civilian areas. Intense black fumes rose to the sky and spread to the apartment complex next to the expressway.
(Yonhap)
Two people, including the truck driver, were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
It was initially feared the flaming diesel would spill over to neighboring farmhouses and the subway train depot, but the fire was fortunately contained before greater damage could be done.
(Yonhap)
By Lim Jeong-yeo (
kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)