Train collision disrupts Seoul-Busan rail traffic

Two passenger trains collided Saturday near Daegu Station disrupting rail traffic between Seoul and Busan, authorities said.

  The accident, which took place some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul at 7:15 a.m., involved a KTX bullet train and a Mugungwha passenger train, Korea Railroad Corp. said, adding that no one was seriously injured or killed although some passengers suffered abrasions. All passengers were safely removed from the trains and taken by bus or taxi to nearby East Daegu Station.

  "The collision caused one passenger coach from each of the two trains to derail, causing all rail traffic to be stopped," a KORAIL official said. He said that the cause of the collision is being investigated. He, however, said that train services are operational between Seoul and Gumi northeast of Daegu, and from East Daegu to Busan.

  The state-operated corporation said that due to the nature of the accident repairs may take time and asked the public planning to take trains to confirm if services have been restored before leaving home. (Yonhap)