Twelve Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen sustained “non-serious injuries” after a Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) rear-ended another during Exercise Wallaby in Queensland, Australia, at around 7:40 pm (Australia time) on 24 September. The servicemen were taken to a hospital and are currently “being treated or recovering well,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) at 10:15 pm (Singapore time) on Tuesday. The statement emphasised the importance of safety and well-being, noting that the army has called for a safety pause to remind drivers to maintain proper distance. MINDEF and SAF extended their wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured servicemen.
Background
Exercise Wallaby is SAF’s largest overseas unilateral exercise, involving around 6,200 personnel and approximately 490 platforms from the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, and the Digital and Intelligence Service. This year’s exercise, which spans nine weeks from 8 September to 3 November, aims to set a new training baseline overseas. The incident occurred while the vehicles were returning to base at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia.
Injured personnel airlifted
At the time of the collision, the two vehicles were “moving back to base at Shoalwater Bay Training Area,” according to MINDEF. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson reported that paramedics arrived at the scene around 8:30 pm (Australia time). The injured personnel were airlifted by a military helicopter to Rockhampton Airport and subsequently transported to a hospital by road ambulance.
Safety measures
In light of the incident, the army has called for a safety pause to remind drivers to maintain proper distance between vehicles. “The safety and well-being of our people is of paramount importance,” the MINDEF statement read. This measure aims to prevent similar accidents in the future and ensure the safety of all personnel involved in Exercise Wallaby.
Previous incidents
Exercise Wallaby has been a cornerstone of SAF’s overseas training programmes, but it has not been without its incidents. In previous years, there have been minor accidents and injuries, prompting continuous reviews and updates to safety protocols. The current incident underscores the ongoing need for stringent safety measures and constant vigilance during such large-scale exercises.
Future implications
The recent collision may lead to further reviews of SAF’s training protocols and vehicle operation guidelines. As Exercise Wallaby continues, additional safety measures may be implemented to ensure the well-being of all participants. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in military training and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards.
