Ten injured in Vic army base crash
Ten soldiers have been injured, four seriously, in a training mishap at Puckapunyal military base, north of Melbourne.
Emergency services were called to the base after two Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) collided during an exercise, shortly after 10.30am.
Three soldiers were airlifted to the Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals.
A fourth was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital by road ambulance.
Six army personnel are receiving treatment at a medical centre on the base.
In a statement, Defence confirmed the crash involving two Light Armoured Vehicles happened during a training session.
"Defence can confirm that two Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) were involved in a collision during a training course at the Puckapunyal Military Training Range in Victoria."
"Local emergency services have attended the scene and ten are receiving treatment at civilian and defence facilities for injuries categorised as ranging from serious to minor."
"Defence is currently providing support to the injured soldiers. We are not in a position to comment on the nature or status of their injuries at this time."
Police and the Department of Defence are investigating the cause of the accident.
A police spokeswoman said officers would investigate whether there was any criminal negligence stemming from the crash.
If there was no negligence, the investigation would be handled by the Defence Force, she said.
