Drunk, Unlicensed Driver in Fatal Accident Claims He Was "Forced to Drive"

A man in his 20s, who caused the deaths of two people by crossing the centerline while driving under the influence without a valid license in Incheon, has sparked controversy by claiming he was "forced to drive."

It has been revealed that this man was already prohibited from driving due to a history of drunk driving, leading to public outrage.

According to the Namdong Police Station in Incheon on the 14th, A (24), who has been charged with negligent homicide under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act and drunk and unlicensed driving under the Road Traffic Act, stated during a recent police investigation that he "had no choice but to drive due to being forced to do so."

A claims that the person who forced him to drive was B, a passenger in his vehicle who died in the incident.

Circumstances of the Accident and Victim Situation

Earlier, at around 4:24 AM on the 8th of last month, A was driving a Benz coupe, which was not insured, while intoxicated on a one-way four-lane street in Guwol-dong, Namdong District, Incheon. He collided head-on with an oncoming SUV.

As a result of the accident, B, who was a passenger in A's vehicle, and C, a woman in her 60s who was driving the SUV, lost their lives.

It is particularly tragic that victim C was on her way to pick up her son, a soldier returning from leave.

C's family is reported to have strongly urged for A's severe punishment during the police investigation.

Three other passengers in their 20s who were in A's vehicle also suffered injuries and are receiving treatment at a hospital, and they have been charged with aiding drunk driving.

According to the National Forensic Service's blood test results, A's blood alcohol concentration at the time of the accident was found to be over 0.08%, which is a level that warrants license suspension.

What is even more serious is that A had already been caught for drunk driving and was in the period of license suspension yet drove under the influence again.

A was severely injured in the accident and received treatment in the hospital for a month before being discharged recently, after which he was subjected to police investigation.

He was found to have driven a Benz that was borrowed from an acquaintance without any insurance.

A police official stated, "We are verifying the facts of A's claims based on surrounding closed-circuit (CC) TV footage and other evidence," adding, "We will consider whether to apply for an arrest warrant, taking A's health status into account."

Image source: Incheon Fire Department, material photo for understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank