STOCKHOLM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A Swedish soldier died on Monday in connection with Northern Wind, a military exercise in northern Sweden, Swedish News SVT reported.
"The worst has happened. A companion in the Armed Forces has paid the ultimate price and my thoughts go to the relatives and friends in the unit," said Colonel Stefan Smedman, leader of the military exercises.
The deceased, a woman in her 40s, was hit by a CV90 combat vehicle while she was in a tent. Emergency services were called to the scene at 01:00 on Monday morning, but her life could not be saved. The Swedish Armed Forces later confirmed her deceased.
"The news is painful and sad...It is important, now, to take care of each other; to be there to provide support and comfort," Micael Byden, supreme commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, wrote in a press release.
"Work has started on seeking the answer to what caused the accident, but also on continuing the activities in a safe manner. I and the rest of the Swedish Armed Forces are with you in this difficult time," said Byden.
Police have classified the case as traffic negligence and causing others' death through workplace environment crimes. According to the police, nine people were involved in the accident.
During the afternoon, it was announced that exercises would resume later that day.
The Northern Wind military exercise runs on March 18-27 near Overkalix in the far north of Sweden, close to the Finnish border. Around 10,000 people in total participate, including about 3,000 Swedes, as well as soldiers from Finland, Norway, the UK and the U.S.
