Two soldiers die in army vehicle crash
THE nation is mourning the deaths of two Australian Defence Force soldiers killed in a training exercise near Townsville.
On Monday afternoon, emergency crews were called to a remote road at Dotswood, west of Townsville, where a heavy army vehicle rolled.
The two men, understood to be a 40-year-old soldier and 28-year-old soldier from Brisbane-based 7th Brigade, could not be saved and died at the scene. It is understood the soldiers were participating in Exercise Diamond Dagger 2021 at Townsville Field Training Area, which began on Friday.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) addressed parliament just hours after the incident on Monday, saying it was a tragedy.
“There are movements on the road every day, and it is a very dangerous task that our troops are involved in, even during training exercises and the movement of equipment up and down our national highways,” Mr Dutton said.
“That’s very sad news for our country to learn, and our condolences and thoughts are with their friends and family,” he said.
Police, fire crews and paramedics all rushed to the area on Dotswood Rd, about an hour from the city, about 12.45pm where the two soldiers were reportedly trapped in the cabin of a MAN
HX77 army truck. k.
Sadly, they could d not be saved.
It is unclear how w the crash happened, d, but Townsville’s s
Forensic Crash Unit it arrived at the scene ene about 3.30pm and are investigating.
The troops were participating in a three-week exercise to test mechanised inventory, cavalry, tanks, artillery and logistic capabilities.
Defence warned motorists last week that there would be more army vehicles on the roads while the exercise took place.
The Defence Force closed off the road a number of kilometres ki from the crash cr site and turned tu people around ar on Monday afternoon. af
The tragedy also occurred o on the second se day of Legacy ac Week. Opposition O it Leader Anthony Albanese also expressed his condolences to the victims’ family and friends.
“This is a tragic loss for the people wearing our uniform, serving our nation and defending our people,” Mr Albanese said.
Opposition spokesman for Defence Brendan O’connor also extended his condolences.
“Whether in combat or in training, the tasks our troops undertake can be dangerous and we express our gratitude for their service to our nation and convey our thanks and appreciation for their work,” Mr O’connor said.
The Department of Defence said it was working closely with police.
“The welfare of defence personnel and their next of kin is of utmost importance and our focus is on providing support to them,” a spokeswoman said.
They said it would be inappropriate to comment further.
If you need assistance, call Defence All Hours Support Line on 1800 629 036 or Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046.