An unfortunate accident resulted in a deadly tragedy during a training exercise on Sunday at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia, ABC News reports.
Three U.S. Army soldiers were killed and another three hospitalized with injuries after the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in which they were riding became involved in an “early morning training accident.”
“Heartbreaking day” for 3rd Infantry Division
Names of the dead and wounded have yet to be publicly released, pending complete notification of all of their next of kin, according to a statement released by the 3rd Infantry Division.
The three soldiers who lost their lives were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, while the three injured troops were transported to the Winn Army Community Hospital.
“Today is a heartbreaking day for the 3rd Infantry Division, and the entire Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield community, as we are all devastated after a training accident this morning on the Fort Stewart Training Area,” Maj. Gen. Tony Aguto, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in the statement.
“We are extremely saddened by the loss of three Dogface Soldiers, and injuries to three more,” Aguto added. “Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families affected by this tragedy.”
Overturned M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the six soldiers involved in the training accident were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team.
Fort Stewart spokesman Lt. Col. Patrick Husted told the media outlet that the Bradley Fighting Vehicle the soldiers were in accidentally rolled over into water at about 3:20 am during a training exercise.
Thankfully, all of the soldiers involved were recovered from the overturned vehicle. Of the three injured soldiers who were transported to the hospital, two have already been released and the third was moved to the Memorial Hospital in Savannah with “non-life threatening” injuries.
“Tragic and devastating”
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), who represents the district in which Fort Stewart is located, called the accident “tragic and devastating” and said in a statement: “These brave soldiers gave everything for their nation, including their lives.
“Amy and I send our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of these heroes and the entire 3ID community,” the congressman added. “The sacrifices of our military families are greater than most of us will ever know.”
According to the statement from the division commander, an investigation has already been launched into what exactly happened. Hopefully, the cause will be quickly determined and similar tragedies can be avoided in the future.