According to the Kyunghyang Shinmun, the patrol car failed to spot the person while searching near the reported location and drove over them; the victim died at the scene. Police are examining the car's route, speed, and whether headlights and slow-driving protocols were used.

A person lying on a dark road is extremely hard to see from a vehicle - but the shock here is that the rescuing car became the striking car.

Reviewing night-search protocols

Calls are rising to verify whether slow approach, on-foot search and lighting rules were followed, and to strengthen late-night response manuals.

Police apologized to the family and will assign responsibility through due process.

A Third Perspective

Prevention takes more than individual blame: structural review of protocols, equipment and staffing keeps both citizens and officers safe.