An Australian soldier participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 has been admitted to a Brisbane hospital after being seriously injured in an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicle accident.
The accident occurred within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area overnight.
Talisman Sabre 2011 spokesman Brigadier Bob Brown said the APC was carrying nine Australian Defence Force personnel when it veered down an embankment and landed on its turret.
“The Armoured Personnel Carrier, carrying nine Australian Defence Force personnel, rolled over after veering down an embankment and landing on its turret while travelling cross-country at night,” Brigadier Brown said.
“Emergency medical assets were notified immediately and, after initial medical care, eight of those injured have been treated and released. One ADF member has been transferred to Brisbane Hospital for further specialist care.”
All of the soldiers are expected to make a full recovery and their families have been notified.
A full and thorough investigation of the accident will take place and further details may become available once the investigation is complete.
The exercise is continuing as planned.
Vision from a press conference on this incident will be available at: http://www.facebook.com/talismansabre
Media contact:
EX Talisman Sabre 2011 Media Room 1800 675 601
Press release
Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, Australia