#Four South Korean civilians killed in crash with US military vehicle

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An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter of 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment
Alamy Stock Photo

Four South Korean civilians have been killed when their SUV rear-ended a US armored-personnel carrier, prompting American forces to suspend training in the area near the border with North Korea, according to a report.

The four people were declared dead at the scene about 9:30 p.m. Sunday after the vehicle slammed into the tracked M577 APC, which was carrying two US soldiers, near the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, Stars and Stripes reported.

One was evaluated at a nearby hospital and then released back to his unit, according to the 2nd Infantry Division, the news outlet reported.

US Forces Korea expressed “its deepest condolences” to the families and loved ones of those killed and said the military was cooperating with local authorities.

“USFK is aware of the fatal accident near the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex,” the command said in a statement. “Out of respect to those killed and their families, Eighth Army is temporarily suspending training in the area.”

The South Korean Defense Ministry also expressed condolences and promised to work with US forces to make sure “follow-up measures are able to be properly implemented in accordance with the results of the investigation into the accident.”

The accident occurred in a sensitive area for the U.S. military. Residents in the mountainous region about 30 miles north of Seoul have long complained about noise, unexploded bombs and stray rounds from a gun range.

In response, the US military has made multiple safety improvements to the 3,390-acre training facility, including installing 16-foot berms behind targets and deploying troops to help excavate stray munitions in the area.

About 28,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea, which remains technically at war with the North.