Hidden Hero Who Saved Lives at Accident Scene... Korea Expressway Corporation Selects 'Highway Hero'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Mewon] Korea Expressway Corporation and the Expressway Scholarship Foundation announced on the 16th that they will award the 2020 Expressway Hero Award to 15 people, including Hwang Seon-il, who rescued a driver at the scene of a three-car collision.

Tow truck driver Hwang Seon-il climbed onto a passenger car tilted about 45 degrees due to an accident at the scene of a three-car collision near the Yuseong Interchange on the Honam Expressway Branch on October 30 last year and rescued the driver. He also quickly responded before the emergency rescue team arrived by securing space with the tow truck's equipment to rescue a truck driver trapped in the vehicle, preventing greater damage.

Coach Jiminho and athlete Jo Younghyun of the weightlifting team at Gimhae Yeongwoon High School, who were selected as heroes along with Hwang, attracted attention by immediately performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation when they witnessed a driver suddenly collapse while taking follow-up measures at the scene of an accident near the Naengjeong Junction on the Namhae Expressway on July 22. In addition, 12 others who showed courage for public safety were also selected as 2020 Expressway Heroes.

Prize money ranges from 1 million to 10 million KRW depending on the grade. This year, one person was selected for grade 2, six for grade 3, two for grade 4, and six for grade 5, receiving up to 7 million KRW in prize money and a plaque of appreciation.

The Expressway Hero Award is given by Korea Expressway Corporation to individuals or groups who demonstrated courage at expressway accident scenes to minimize casualties and accident damage and contributed to creating a safe expressway. Established in 2018, a total of 20 heroes have been selected so far, receiving prize money totaling 68 million KRW.

Jin Gyudong, chairman of the Expressway Scholarship Foundation, said, "The Expressway Hero Award is intended to encourage the courageous actions of citizens who rushed to save their neighbors with exceptional self-sacrifice," adding, "We thank those who risked their lives and showed courage for the safety of others and the expressway."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.