What happened in the Cheorwon highway crash involving an Army K55A1 howitzer?

The howitzer was struck from behind by two civilian cars while traveling on a national route. The first car’s driver died, the second car’s driver was injured, and a few of the seven soldiers aboard sustained minor abrasions.

What are police investigating about the Cheorwon howitzer crash?

Police are examining whether the howitzer was traveling at a safe speed and following safety procedures, including operational guidelines. They are also analyzing surveillance footage and plan to question the soldiers and commanders aboard.

What evidence are authorities examining in the Cheorwon military vehicle crash?

Authorities requested a National Forensic Service examination of the howitzer’s event data recorder and are analyzing surveillance footage. Social media footage showed the crash on a pitch-black stretch of road, where the howitzer’s rear lights appeared hardly visible.

Army howitzer collides with civilian cars in fatal highway pileup crash

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Summary

An Army K55A1 self-propelled howitzer collided with two civilian cars on a national highway in Cheorwon last week, killing one driver and injuring another. The howitzer was traveling at around 7 p.m. Thursday after returning from a training exercise. Police are investigating the cause, including whether the vehicle was traveling safely and following operational procedures.

Key Facts

Seven soldiers were aboard the howitzer, and a few sustained minor abrasions.
The driver of the second car was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities requested that the National Forensic Service examine the event data recorder and are analyzing surveillance footage.
Police plan to question the soldiers and commanders who were aboard the artillery vehicle.

By Yonhap

Published Nov 10, 2026 9:58 pm KST

A self-propelled howitzer involved in a collision in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, Nov. 5. Captured from Han Moon-chul TV YouTube channel

An Army self-propelled howitzer collided with two civilian cars trailing from behind on a national highway in the central border region of Cheorwon last week, leaving one civilian driver dead, military officials said Tuesday.

The K55A1 howitzer was struck by the two cars from behind when it was driving along a national route at around 7 p.m. on Thursday, according to Army officials.

The crash killed the driver of the first car, while the driver of the second vehicle suffered injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The artillery vehicle was reportedly returning from a training exercise. Seven soldiers were aboard the vehicle at the time of the crash, with a few of them sustaining minor abrasions.

Footage circulating on social media showed the crash occurred on a pitch-black stretch of road, with the howitzer's rear lights appearing to be hardly visible.

An Army official said a police investigation is under way to determine the exact cause and circumstances, adding that the Army will fully cooperate with the investigation.

Police are examining whether the howitzer was traveling at a safe speed and following safety procedures, including any operational guidelines.

Authorities have also requested the National Forensic Service to examine the event data recorder and are analyzing the surveillance footage.

"We are investigating the exact cause of the accident while leaving all possibilities open," a police official said.

Police also plan to question the soldiers and commanders aboard the artillery vehicle.

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