URGENT UPDATE: A soldier has tragically died and two others have been hospitalized following a serious truck rollover during an army training exercise near Townsville, Queensland. The incident occurred just after 6:30 PM on Wednesday, on Hervey Range Road, raising immediate concerns among military officials and the community.
The Department of Defence confirmed the soldier’s death on Thursday, urging respect for the privacy of the affected families. This devastating event unfolded during a training course at the Townsville Field Training Area, a critical site for military operations in the region.
Emergency services responded rapidly, with multiple paramedic units and a rescue helicopter dispatched to the scene. According to Queensland Ambulance, one soldier sustained life-threatening injuries and was assessed on-site. A man in his 30s was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in stable condition, suffering from chest and abdominal injuries. Another soldier, a man in his 20s, was transported to the same hospital by ground ambulance, also in stable condition with back injuries. Fortunately, both have since been released from the hospital.
This incident echoes a previous tragedy in August 2021, when two soldiers lost their lives in a similar truck rollover south of Townsville. In the wake of that incident, the Department of Defence faced legal action in September 2023 for breaching federal work health and safety laws.
The military community is mourning this latest loss, with support organizations like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Open Arms (1800 011 046) available for those in need of assistance during this difficult time.
As investigations continue, officials emphasize the importance of safety in military training exercises. This latest incident raises critical questions about operational protocols and the measures in place to protect soldiers during training.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and join the conversation as the military community comes together to honor the fallen and support the injured.
