Soldier, 26, tragically killed in crash involving tank during training exercise
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A serving British soldier has died after being involved in a crash with a Warrior 'tank-style' vehicle during a training exercise on Salisbury Plain yesterday (June 21).
The soldier, 26, who has not yet been named, sustained 'significant head injuries' during the accident and died at the scene despite receiving medical attention.
He was a member of 5th Battalion The Rifles died at the scene.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance was among the emergency services tasked to the incident near Sidbury Hill however the soldier's injuries were too great.
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The Army has now announced an investigation into the fatal incident.
They have pledged to work with Wiltshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive to provide answers.
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. His family are being supported by a specialist family liaison officer.
“An investigation into the collision is being led by Wiltshire Police alongside the Army and Health and Safety Executive.
“Anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Team via 101 and quote crime reference number 54220064345.”
Tragically, this is not the first time a soldier has died during an exercise involving tanks on Salisbury Plain.
On October 15 2021, 23-year-old Jethro Watson-Pickering died while he was part of a crew operating an armoured vehicle on Salisbury Plain.
In a short statement at the time, Pickering's Yorkshire Regiment said: "Yorkshire Regiment very much regrets to announce the death on Friday 15th October of Pte Jethro Watson-Pickering.
"He was from Boosbeck, Redcar and Cleveland and was deployed on exercise on Salisbury Plain. The thoughts and prayers of the regimental family are with his family."
The Daily Star has approached the Ministry of Defence for more information on yesterday's tragic accident.
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