According to police on May 19, the Yongsan Police Station sent a 40-year-old male surgeon, identified as A, to prosecutors on May 15 for violations of drug control laws.
Investigations revealed that A had excessively administered propofol to over ten patients visiting his clinic since August of last year, and had instructed a nurse to administer the drug even when anesthesia was unnecessary. He is also accused of neglecting the management and supervision of controlled substances at his clinic.
The clinic is known to be the workplace of a former nurse, identified as B, who allegedly supplied propofol to a 30-year-old woman, identified as Hwang, the driver involved in the Banpo Bridge accident. In March, police conducted a search of the clinic and secured relevant documents, including prescriptions and records of drug inventory.
Prosecutors have charged Hwang with violations of drug control laws, driving under the influence, and causing injury through reckless driving. B was also indicted in March for violations of drug control laws.
On February 25 at around 8:44 p.m., Hwang was driving a Porsche on Banpo Road when she crashed through the guardrail and fell below the bridge. Her Porsche collided with a Mercedes-Benz traveling along the riverbank below the bridge before plummeting onto the Han River embankment. Both Hwang and the Mercedes driver sustained minor injuries, and their vehicles were severely damaged. Other vehicles on Banpo Bridge were also affected by the incident.
Responding to reports of the crash, police discovered a large quantity of propofol, medical syringes, and tubes in Hwang's vehicle, prompting an investigation. Subsequent inquiries revealed that Hwang had been driving under the influence of propofol, leading to her emergency arrest for drugged driving.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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