* Updated with additional information
SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - Five people were killed on Saturday morning after a multi-vehicle collision on the Seohae–Yeongdeok Expressway in South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province, police said.
The crashes occurred near the Namsangju interchange in Sangju, involving around 20 vehicles.
Police confirmed that four people riding a Sonata sedan were killed, while a truck driver also died in a separate crash near the same area.
Traffic has been suspended in both directions near the crash site as authorities carry out recovery operations. Fire officials said they are checking for any additional casualties.
Police said slippery road conditions, possibly caused by black ice, may have contributed to the accidents, which appeared to occur almost simultaneously along the stretch of highway.
The Sangju city government issued emergency text alerts urging drivers to slow down, maintain safe distances and take extra caution on icy roads, especially on uphill sections and shaded areas.
Police said traffic toward Cheongju remains blocked and advised motorists to use national roads as detours.
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