In Jecheon, North Chungcheong, an octogenarian passenger fell onto the road while getting off a city bus after the bus suddenly pulled away with its doors open. The victim's family claims the driver also fell short on first aid, including not calling 119 immediately after the accident.
According to the victim's side on the 10th, at about 9:15 a.m. on the 7th, A, in their 80s, who was riding a city bus at a bus stop in Cheongjeon-dong, Jecheon, North Chungcheong, fell onto the road while getting off.
A, who had limited mobility, was descending the bus's exit steps while leaning on a handrail. However, before A's foot touched the ground, the bus reportedly started suddenly with the doors open.
A lost balance at the sudden movement and fell straight onto the asphalt.
Video of the scene shows A staggering as the bus pulls away and then falling outside the bus.
A suffered fractures to the spine and other areas and received a diagnosis requiring six weeks of treatment; A is being treated at a hospital.
A's family said there were also problems with the driver's response after the accident.
A's side said, "Right after the accident, the bus driver did not call 119," and added, "For about 18 minutes, A was left at the scene without meaningful measures, and then was transported to a hospital emergency room using a company vehicle."
The bus company said, "The driver reportedly did not see A getting off and pulled the bus away," and added, "After the accident, we urged our drivers to make sure all passengers have disembarked before departing."
The company added, "The driver was startled by the sudden accident and, in the confusion, failed to call 119," and said, "We will provide all necessary support for A's swift recovery."
Police received the report from A's family and are investigating the exact circumstances, including whether the bus driver was negligent and what actions were taken after the accident.