Nine people were killed and six injured when a car struck pedestrians at a busy intersection in central Seoul on Monday night, with police investigating the driver for accidental homicide.

The disaster unfolded when a vehicle, driven by a 68-year-old bus driver with decades of experience, accidentally accelerated and struck bystanders in the bustling heart of the city. The driver, who was driving in the wrong direction, collided with two other vehicles before causing the deaths and injuries. With no drugs or alcohol involved, authorities are delving into vehicle malfunctions and scrutinizing security footage to uncover the cause of the tragic event.

The incident took place at a busy intersection in central Seoul, a location typically bustling with pedestrians and traffic. The car first collided with two other vehicles before jumping the curb and striking pedestrians. Initial reports suggest that the car's abrupt acceleration may have been a key factor in the crash, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Among the six people injured in the accident was the driver himself. Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing immediate medical attention to the injured. The identities of the victims and their conditions have not been disclosed by authorities at this time.

According to the driver's statement to the police, his car accelerated suddenly and unintentionally, leading to the devastating crash. He maintains that the incident was not a result of deliberate action. The driver, a 68-year-old bus driver from Ansan, has four decades of driving experience, a detail that adds further complexity to the case.

Preliminary police tests have confirmed that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This has led investigators to consider other factors, such as possible mechanical failures. The vehicle involved in the accident will undergo a comprehensive forensic examination to determine if any malfunctions contributed to the event.

In addition to examining the car, police are meticulously reviewing security footage from cameras positioned around the intersection. This footage is expected to provide critical insights into the moments leading up to the crash, potentially corroborating or contradicting the driver's account of sudden acceleration.

The driver is currently under investigation for allegations of accidental homicide. No formal charges have been filed yet, but the ongoing investigation will determine the next steps based on the evidence gathered. The police have decided not to disclose the driver's identity at this stage of the investigation.

This tragic incident has sent ripples of shock and grief through the community. The central Seoul intersection where the crash occurred is known for being crowded, increasing the number of potential victims when such incidents occur.

Local authorities are urging calm while the investigation continues, and have promised to release more information as it becomes available. Public safety officials are also reviewing traffic management and pedestrian safety measures in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation progresses, city officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, pledging to support them during this difficult time. The community is also rallying around the injured, hoping for their swift and complete recovery.