A fire broke out in both directions of the entry on the Seohaean Expressway toward Mokpo in Poseung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi, due to a tanker accident blocking the entry in both directions. The tanker driver was ultimately found dead.
Fire authorities noted that at 11:10 p.m., 1 hour and 20 minutes after the fire broke out, they found the driver dead with severe burns in the tanker truck's driver's seat.
The accident occurred when a 25-ton tanker truck carrying 30,000 liters of kerosene struck a guardrail and overturned while traveling toward Mokpo.
Both directions of the Seohaean Expressway, along with Seopyeongtaek IC and Seopyeongtaek JTC entries, are entirely blocked, and a disaster text was sent urging to use detour roads.
Fire authorities elevated the response to 'level 2' at one point and are focusing on extinguishing the fire. They are particularly focused on preventing oil from entering the nearby West Sea by using absorbent pads to block contaminated water.
Pyeongtaek City installed an oil fence around the area to prevent oil from leaking into the sea.
After the fire broke out, the Korea Expressway Corporation entirely blocked a 1.5 km section in both directions from Seopyeongtaek IC to Seopyeongtaek JCT on the Seohaean Expressway for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Along with extinguishing the fire, one lane in both directions of the highway has resumed traffic.
The police and fire authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.