Katusa soldier killed in highway crash involving USFK-driven SUV

A Korean soldier serving with the U.S. Army was killed after the SUV that he was in — driven by a U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) service member — crashed into a highway median barrier Monday morning.

The accident occurred on the Gyeongbu Expressway near Chilgok Junction in Dalseong County, Daegu, at around 5:07 a.m. The Mohave SUV was traveling in the innermost lane of the Daegu-bound expressway when it struck the median barrier and overturned onto its right side.

The Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (Katusa) soldier who died was one of four people in the vehicle. 

Another Katusa soldier was seriously injured and taken to a hospital, but his wounds are not believed to be life-threatening. Two American USFK service members sustained minor injuries.

They were on their way home after finishing work in Dalseong County, according to police.

The USFK service member who drove the vehicle reportedly holds a valid driver’s license.

Police have notified the USFK of the accident.

“It was not raining at the time of the accident,” a police official said. “We are investigating the exact circumstances of the crash.”

BY JUNG SI-NAE [[email protected]]