5 Dead in Massive Sangju Black Ice Pileup on Seosan-Yeongdeok Expressway

Five lives were claimed in an instant on a frozen highway as the 'silent killer' of winter roads struck early Saturday morning. On Jan. 10, 2026, multiple accidents involving over 20 vehicles occurred in the Sangju section of the Seosan-Yeongdeok Expressway, leaving families in mourning and the region in shock.

Sequence of the Fatal Highway Accidents

According to the Korea Expressway Corp., the tragedy began when a truck overturned while trying to avoid a stationary vehicle. The chain reaction that followed was devastating, involving sedans, trailers, and SUVs across the icy stretch of road near a major interchange.

Black Ice Suspected as the Primary Cause

Authorities suspect the accidents were caused by black ice, a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms when rain or snow freezes on the pavement. Because it's nearly invisible to drivers, it often leads to high-speed pileups before anyone can react. Traffic on the expressway remained restricted for several hours as emergency crews cleared the wreckage.