Police in Trøndelag think the driver of a military tank taking part in the Cold Response defense exercises this week lost control of the 45-ton armoured vehicle as he was driving on Monday. The tank collided with a car on County Road 763 near Snåsa, and the other driver was killed.
The victim was from Sør-Trøndelag and King Harald V, who was overseeing the exercises Monday morning, was quick to offer condolences. “I think this was very sad,” King Harald told state broadcaster NRK. “Our thoughts of course go the family involved.”
Police described the collision as “very powerful.” There was only one occupant in the car and two in the tank, and both of the latter were uninjured.
Police were investigating but told local newspaper Trønder-Avis the tank’s driver swerved into the oncoming lane of the highway and collided with the car heading north towards Snåsa.
Around 15,000 soldiers from 14 countries are taking part in the international winter military exercises that run from February 19 to March 22.
newsinenglish.no staff
