One Israeli tourist killed and more than 30 injured in bus accident in South Korea

Bus reportedly flipped over due to a gearbox malfunction while carrying a group of 33 tourists from Israel, at least seven of them suffered critical injuries

A tragic bus accident in South Korea involved a group of 33 tourists from Israel. One of them, a 60-year-old woman, died and dozens were injured. The crash took place in the North Chungcheong province, while the bus was driving to the tourists’ hotel.

South Korean authorities informed Israel's Foreign Ministry that two Israelis have been hospitalized in critical condition. Five other Israeli tourists are severely injured and 24 others were lightly wounded. There was one Israeli tourist who remained unscathed.

The bus driver, who was lightly injured, told local media that the accident occurred due to a gearbox malfunction. He was quoted by Ynet news as saying: “When changing gears on a steep curve on a steep road, the bus could not move forward and was pushed back and overturned."

Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has been in touch with Israeli Ambassador to South Korea Akiva Tor, who ordered the embassy to assist the wounded Israeli tourists and their families until their return home, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.

Cohen thanked the embassy staff for rushing to the scene of the accident and visiting the wounded who were evacuated to four different hospitals. He conveyed his wishes for a speedy recovery, as well as his appreciation to the emergency and medical teams in South Korea for their care of the Israeli citizens.

Tal Heinrich