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DPS: Speed a factor in crash
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Posted on Jun 27 2017
The 19-year-old woman who was killed in a car crash last Saturday was driving at a high rate of speed, according to the Department of Public Safety yesterday.
Acting DPS spokesman Sgt. Jason Tarkong said that preliminary police investigation revealed speed as a definite factor in the crash.
Besides that statement, Tarkong said “the case is currently under investigation.”
Preliminary investigation showed that Su Min Jung was going eastbound on As Terlaje Hill aboard a beige 2013 Hyundai Tucson.
The vehicle, a five-door wagon, ran off the road to the right and collided with the Northern Marianas College’s retaining wall. The vehicle then went straight toward the concrete traffic light pole at the eastern shoulder of Chalan Monsignor Guerrero Road and intersection of Tun Antonio Apa Road.
Tarkong said the vehicle sustained extensive damage from the impact and the fire.
He said that Jung was lifeless when recovered from the driver’s seat.
He said police responded on Saturday at 12:46am to the scene. When they arrived, they saw the front half of the Hyundai Tucson was resting up against the traffic light and was engulfed in flames.
Witnesses told police that there was an occupant trapped inside the vehicle.
Tarkong said Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services ambulance and rescue units were also on scene.
At that time, the wind was strong and the front half of the vehicle was already engulfed in flames, Tarkong said.
Traffic investigators gathered evidence at the scene and statements from eyewitnesses.
Tarkong said that Jung was identified by her father, who arrived at the scene.
DFEMS earlier identified the victim as Soomin Jung.
Jung’s body was brought to the Commonwealth Health Center, where Dr. Florence Schenker pronounced her dead at 3:35am.
Saipan Tribune learned that Jung had just come from the hospital to visit a sister who had just given birth. She was said to be on her way to a friend’s house in As Lito when the accident happened.
Jung’s family is engaged in the business of selling fabrics on Saipan.
Tarkong said Saturday’s crash marks the third traffic fatality this year.
