4.5-Ton Cargo Truck Hits Utility Pole in Uijeongbu, Causing Blackouts and Traffic Disruptions

A cargo truck collided with a utility pole in Uijeongbu, South Korea, disrupting power to local businesses and causing traffic control on a major road. The incident occurred around 8:58 PM on the 3rd in the Shingok-dong area.

The 4.5-ton truck, driven by a man in his 50s, struck the pole, causing significant damage to the guardrail and tilting the pole towards the truck's driver's side. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

However, the impact cut off electricity to 12 nearby businesses and affected some streetlights and traffic signals. Korea Electric Power Corporation and other relevant agencies worked through the night to restore power and repair the damage.

As of 9 AM on the 4th, two of the four lanes on the Shingok overpass, heading towards Uijeongbu Baek Hospital, remained closed to traffic. The driver, who was not under the influence of alcohol, told police that the truck's brakes appeared to have malfunctioned while driving. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, including potential mechanical defects and driver negligence.