Australian Soldier Dies in North Queensland Training Accident, Army Grounds M113 Fleet

Fatal Training Incident in Townsville

An Australian soldier has been killed in a training accident involving a vehicle rollover in north Queensland. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, just after 6:30 PM local time, at the Townsville Field Training Area, located off Hervey Range Road west of Townsville. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed the soldier's death on Thursday.

The deceased soldier was part of Townsville's 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, an armoured infantry battalion.

Two Others Injured, M113 Fleet Grounded

Two other male soldiers were injured in the single-vehicle crash. One male, in his 30s, was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition with chest and abdominal injuries. Another male, in his 20s, was transported by road to the same hospital with back injuries. Both injured personnel have since been discharged.

The vehicle involved in the rollover was identified as an M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC). Following the incident, the Australian Army has taken the precautionary measure of grounding its entire fleet of M113 vehicles. Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, confirmed the grounding, stating that the decision was made 'as a result of the accident and the investigations that will take place'.

Official Condolences and Ongoing Investigation

Defence Minister Richard Marles extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues of the fallen soldier. He stated, 'As a small, tight-knit community I know this will be felt right across Townsville and the entire Australian Defence Force.'

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli also paid tribute to the defence personnel, acknowledging their sacrifices. Local MP and Afghanistan war veteran Phillip Thompson expressed his devastation, noting that the 'tragic loss will be felt through the brigade, army, Townsville and the wider defence community.'

Multiple paramedic units and a rescue helicopter responded to the scene. Police and Defence authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident. The ADF has requested that the privacy of defence members and their families be respected during this difficult time.