Fatal MRAP Accidents Prompt Warnings
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Updated: 8:24 AM Jul 24, 2008
Fatal MRAP Accidents Prompt Warnings
Those huge, heavily armored vehicles that protect U.S. troops from roadside bombs and enemy bullets are vulnerable to such basic driving hazards as bad roads and sharp turns.
Posted: 7:13 AM Jul 24, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press
width:200 and height: 120 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 120
Font Size:

Those huge, heavily armored vehicles that protect U.S. troops from roadside bombs and enemy bullets are vulnerable to such basic driving hazards as bad roads and sharp turns.

Called MRAPs, for "mine-resistant, ambush-protected," the half-million-dollar vehicles have suffered dozens of accidents, most commonly rollovers. Five people have been killed in them since last November.

In some cases, troops have been shocked when the vehicles snag low-hanging power lines.

The vehicles get high marks from commanders for protecting soldiers from enemy attack. Of the more than 7,000 built so far, only nine have been taken out of action because of battle damage.

The trucks are tall, heavy and have a raised chassis and V-shaped hulls to deflect explosions.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


Latest Comments

Posted by: Sean Location: CO on Jul 24, 2008 at 08:33 AM

5 troops killed but how many saved?
KKTV.com Features

KKTV and our Partners are proud to make Moms life easier…click here for more information

Click here for more information from our local health care specialists.

Do you have a story idea? Want to report breaking news? Call our newsroom at (719) 578-0000 or e-mail News@kktv.com.

Click Here to have KKTV come to your school!

Watch full episodes of your favorite CBS shows right here on KKTV.com.
Latest Blogs
  • EAT IT: Almonds - (Stacia Naquin)
    Keep your energy up when things get crazy. All you have to do is keep this super food handy at your desk.
  • Beware of Crooks Using Best Buy's Name (Betty Sexton)
    Crooks just sent a message to an 11News smartphone. It claims we've been selected for a $1,000 shopping spree. It's all a bunch of baloney!
  • Make a quick $250, hardly! (Betty Sexton)
    Thanks to Christine for telling me about this scam. She received a check in the mail from a group using the name American Consumer Opinion. It wasn't the legitimate Texas research company... just a crook looking to rip her off!
  • Treat It Like Thanksgiving - (Stacia Naquin)
    You don't have to sit on the sidelines at that Super Bowl party just because you vowed to make 2012 a healthier year. Here's some advice to keep yourself on track, after indulging during the season's biggest game!
  • "Be Prepared" is Good Motto for Storm Coverage
    Over in the KKTV 11 Weather Center, the radar's showing the snow moving in. Chief Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe says this storm has the potential to bring the most snow we've seen in 5 and 1/2 years, so it is "all hands on deck" and "batten down the hatches", as the newsroom makes its own preparations for this Groundhog Day Storm.