Australian Soldier Dies After NT Army Training Accident
An Australian Army soldier has died and five others have been injured after a vehicle rolled during a routine training exercise in the Northern Territory.
Defence confirmed the incident happened late on Monday at Mount Bundy, a training area roughly 100 kilometres south-east of Darwin. Six soldiers were travelling in the vehicle when it rolled, with one later dying from their injuries.
The Northern Territory Chief Minister said two of the injured soldiers were airlifted by helicopter to Royal Darwin Hospital at about 7.30pm on Monday evening. The remaining three were flown in separately by plane roughly an hour and a half later. The extent of their injuries has not been detailed publicly.
Federal Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh confirmed the soldier's next of kin had been notified, along with the families of those injured. "It's very sad whenever we lose anyone from our Australian Defence Force, no matter the circumstances," Keogh said on Tuesday morning, extending condolences to the soldier's family, friends and the broader Army community.
The Federal Opposition Leader also issued a statement, describing the death as a reminder of the risks faced by servicemen and women even outside combat deployments, during training and routine duties at home.
Defence's Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, was expected to provide further details while attending the Land Forces Defence Expo in Perth. The event brings together military and industry figures and was already underway when news of the Mount Bundy incident broke.
Monday's crash is the second death of an Australian Defence Force member during a training exercise this year, and adds to a run of similar incidents in recent years that have prompted ongoing scrutiny of training safety protocols within the ADF. Mount Bundy is a long-used Army training area in the Top End, regularly hosting exercises for units based around Darwin's Robertson Barracks.
Defence has not yet released the identity of the soldier who died, pending formal notification processes and family wishes. An investigation into the circumstances of the rollover is expected, consistent with standard procedure following any serious incident involving ADF personnel and equipment.
Further updates are expected as Defence and the Army provide more information on the condition of the injured soldiers and the cause of the rollover.
Frequently Asked Questions
A vehicle carrying six Australian Army soldiers rolled during a routine training exercise at Mount Bundy, about 100 kilometres south-east of Darwin. One soldier died and five others were injured.
Two injured soldiers were flown by helicopter to Royal Darwin Hospital at around 7.30pm, with the remaining three transferred by plane about 90 minutes later.
Yes. Defence officials noted this is the second death of an Australian Defence Force member during a training exercise this year, continuing a pattern seen in recent years.