Three professional cyclists were killed yesterday and five other people injured when a 25-ton lorry crashed into the group they were riding in, reports the Korea Herald.

The newspaper says that the victims were on a training ride in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province in the southeast of the country when the incident occurred at 9.50am yesterday morning.

According to local police, the lorry, which was said to have been speeding, hit a minivan that had been following the riders before crashing into the rear of the group.

The three cyclists who lost their lives were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were said to have been seriously injured.

The coach of the cycling team, which is said to be connected with the city government of Sangju, was a passenger in the minivan and himself suffered a minor injury.

Police are reportedly investigating what caused the incident.