Second soldier dies in Pembrokeshire firing range tragedy
Written by News on 16/06/2017
A second soldier has died following a tragic training exercise at a firing range in Pembrokeshire.
The two victims, both from the Royal Tank Regiment, were among the four soldiers hurt on Wednesday afternoon at Castlemartin Ranges, west Wales.
The area is used by the Royal Armoured Corps for tanks and armoured units to carry out direct-fire live gunnery exercises.
Two people are still being treated for their injuries and were said to be in a serious condition.
Following the fatal training exercise, a 48-hour worldwide ban has been imposed on the ammunition which had been fired.
The Royal Tank Regiment, which is based in Tidworth, Wiltshire, and is the oldest tank unit in the world, said its investigations were ongoing.
The regiment’s three squadrons are equipped with Challenger 2 battle tanks.
On 7 June, the regiment’s Facebook page revealed its Badger squadron had arrived at Castlemartin for their annual firing period.
On Sunday, a video of a tank firing on the range was posted on the page alongside the caption "FEAR NAUGHT", the regiment’s motto.
Announcing the second death on Thursday, defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: "It is with great sorrow that I can confirm the death of a second soldier from the Royal Tank Regiment following yesterday’s incident at Castlemartin Ranges.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time who have requested that their privacy be respected."
Paramedics attended the ranges shortly after 3.30pm on Wednesday, taking two men to hospital in Swansea, one to Cardiff and air-lifting a fourth for treatment in Birmingham.
Five years ago, Mike Maguire, 21, died at Castlemartin when he was shot in the head while relaxing at a safe location just outside the training range.
An inquest found Ranger Maguire, of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, had been unlawfully killed.
(c) Sky News 2017: Second soldier dies in Pembrokeshire firing range tragedy
