Brisbane soldiers seriously hurt in disaster zone truck crash

The Australian Army soldiers injured when their trucks rolled in a crash while helping during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s chaos were from Brisbane.

The Australian Army soldiers injured when their trucks rolled in a crash on Saturday were from the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the collision on a remote road in Tregeagle, near Lismore, just after 5pm Saturday. It’s believed at least one of the trucks rolled during the crash.

The scene in Tregeagle. Picture: 7 News

Two soldiers were trapped in the wreckage, with 13 injured in total, six seriously.

Part of Joint Task Force 629, the soldiers were providing community support to Lismore following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

A post to the 7th Brigade’s social media pages late Saturday said families of the injured personnel had been notified.

“Those with injuries are being cared for and are all stable,” the statement read.

“We are rallying around the injured soldiers and all those involved. “Everyone at the scene did their best to look after their mates.”

“We are hugely grateful to emergency services and healthcare workers for the first aid and ongoing care.”

The scene in Tregeagle. Picture: 7 News

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement of concern for the ADF crew, saying they were “heroes” who were “on their way to help Australians in need” following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

An announcement earlier in the week said members of the Enoggera-based 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) - part of the 7th Brigade - were heading to Lismore to assist civil authorities the fallout of Cyclone Alfred.

“190 men and women from Brisbane’s Own, other 7th Brigade - Australian Army units, 2nd Health Battalion - Australian Army and other partners, are already enroute to Lismore...” the announcement said.

Australian military deployed to aid Lismore and surrounds during Cyclone Alfred and flooding. Picture: MATRIX

“The majority of the Battalion is still postured in Brisbane.

“Some of our men and women are on task while others remain with their families.”

Several locals described the crash as a “tragedy” and said Tregeagle Rd was “treacherous” to drive on.

Australian Defence Force family members are advised to contact their loved ones unit or the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 if support is needed.

Originally published as Brisbane soldiers seriously hurt in disaster zone truck crash