In a startling incident during Exercise Wallaby in Australia, twelve servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) were hospitalized following a vehicular accident. The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 PM local time at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland.

According to Singapore's Defence Ministry, the accident involved a Hunter armoured fighting vehicle that rear-ended another vehicle while moving back to base after a day of training. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the servicemen were classified as non-serious, and they are reportedly receiving treatment and recovering well at Rockhampton Base Hospital after being airlifted from the accident site.

In a statement, the ministry emphasized the importance of safety, saying, “The safety and well-being of our people is of paramount importance.” As a preventative measure, the army has initiated a safety pause, underscoring the need for drivers to maintain proper distance during maneuvers.

The Queensland Ambulance Service was alerted to the situation at around 8:30 PM, and emergency response teams acted swiftly to ensure the injured personnel received immediate medical attention.

Exercise Wallaby, which runs from September 8 to November 3, is a significant military exercise drawing about 6,200 personnel and is recognized as SAF's largest unilateral overseas training operation in Australia. This year marks a milestone, as it is the first time the Hunter armoured vehicle is participating in the exercise.

Developed in 2019, the Hunter features a crew of three (vehicle commander, gunner, and driver) and can accommodate an additional eight soldiers. It represents a significant upgrade, replacing the older Ultra M113 armoured fighting vehicle previously used by the Singapore Army. Designed and developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency in collaboration with the Singapore Army and ST Engineering, the Hunter reflects Singapore's commitment to modernizing its military capabilities.

As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the SAF continues to prioritize the health and safety of its servicemen, ensuring such accidents are minimized in the future. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story!