The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has launched an investigation after a civilian was seriously injured in a Queensland road crash involving two soldiers.
The soldiers were returning from a training exercise in the Hervey Range, west of the garrison city of Townsville, when their vehicle and a car collided at about 6pm last night.
A man was flown to Townsville University Hospital with serious injuries.
The two soldiers were also taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Queensland Ambulance Service said the civilian had abdominal, chest, arm and facial injuries.
An ADF spokesman said the crash would be investigated.
“Defence takes the safety of the Townsville community very seriously and takes safety precautions when using civilian roads,” he said.
“Defence will conduct a full investigation into the causes of the accident.”
The spokesman said emergency services were called immediately and army personnel provided immediate assistance.
The soldiers were driving a “white-fleet” – or non-combat – vehicle.
Hervey Range Road was closed from 6pm last night and reopened early this morning.
Townsville Hospital and Heath Service said the man airlifted to hospital is in stable condition.
The crash comes less than a year after three soldiers and three United States marines were taken to hospital after being injured during a defence training exercise.
In June 2023, two military vehicles rolled while travelling to the Townsville field training area in the Hervey Range.
The ADF said none of the injuries were life-threatening.
In August 2021, two ADF personnel were killed in a heavy vehicle rollover during a training exercise near Dotswood.