In early November, a motorcycle towing a passenger carriage in Pyongwon County overturned while traveling downhill, leaving five people dead and seven in critical condition.
“The seven victims are currently in critical condition at a hospital in Pyongsong. The driver jumped out right before the impact,” a source in South Pyongan Province told Daily NK.
“Those who died are all from the same family and were from Pyongwon County. They only took the ride to get everyone to their mother’s 60th birthday party. It’s such a tragedy.”
Resting atop three wheels, the passenger compartment was outfitted with planks for seats and was capable of transporting 15 passengers and their baggage. However, equipped only with a motorbike engine, the makeshift vehicle struggled to stay in control on the steep hills.
The accident took place in the northeast area of Pyongsong’s Sunan district, which has steep inclines and particularly derelict roads, making it a high-frequency accident area, a separate source in South Pyongan Province said.
“The Pyongsong Ministry of People’s Security is currently investigating the details surrounding the accident. As the authorities continue to reinforce traffic regulations and punish transgressors, the case could move to court,” she concluded.
