KTX train stops after hitting water deer

By Jhoo Dong-chan

A high-speed KTX train travelling from Busan to Seoul was damaged after hitting a water deer near Osong Station, North Chungcheong Province, Tuesday.

According to Korail, the KTX train struck the animal around 00:30 a.m.

The train was damaged from the collision and was forced to remain stationary on the track for one hour. Eventually all 265 passengers were asked to transfer to another KTX train.

“Passengers did not have to walk on the track during the transfer,” an official said. “They safely changed trains using an extension ladder. It only took three minutes.”

This is the first time a KTX train has been damaged due to an accident with an animal.

The official said the firm will seek measures to prevent wild animals from jumping onto the track.