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A tight-knit defence community is in mourning after a fatal truck rollover during an army training course near a key garrison city.
One soldier died and two others were taken to hospital after the single-vehicle crash on Hervey Range Road west of Townsville, in north Queensland, just after 6.30pm on Wednesday.
The soldiers formed part of Townsville’s 3rd battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, an armoured infantry battalion with a lineage that can be traced back to 1945.
Defence minister Richard Marles said the dead soldier’s family, friends, loved ones and colleagues were in his thoughts.
“In our small, close-knit community, this loss will resonate deeply not only across Townsville but throughout the entire Australian Defence Force,” expressed a spokesperson on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.
“This is a tragic loss and the sacrifice of our service personnel weighs heavily on us all … all Australians are embracing the Townsville community and 3rd Brigade today.”
Local MP and former 1st brigade member Phillip Thompson said he was “devastated” to hear the news.
“My thoughts, prayers and love are with the family, mates and loved ones of the soldier who has died,” the Afghanistan war veteran said.
“This tragic loss will be felt through the brigade, army, Townsville and the wider defence community.”
Brigade commander brigadier Ben McLennan was due to address the public on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred during a training course at the Townsville Field Training Area.
Queensland Ambulance Service reported that multiple paramedic units, along with a rescue helicopter, swiftly responded to the incident.
