Australian Army Suspends Use of Troop Carrier after Fatal Rollover

Dragon Media News Desk

The Australian Army has suspended use of a troop carrier involved in a fatal rollover during a training exercise in the Northern Territory on Monday. Chief of Army Susan Coyle said Wednesday that the vehicle would remain out of service until an investigation began.

Corporal Brendan Hannam, 28, died and five other soldiers were injured when the vehicle rolled at the Mount Bundey Training Area. Coyle identified it as a Supacat High Mobility Transporter and said Hannam was not driving at the time.

The vehicle is used by the Army’s 1st Brigade and special forces units, Coyle said. She added that there had been no previous incidents involving the vehicle and that suspending its use was standard procedure after a major accident.

All five injured soldiers were airlifted to hospital on Monday night, including two who were in critical condition. Two remained in hospital on Wednesday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said several investigations would be conducted into the rollover.