Two tanks collide in military training exercise near Rockhampton

Two tanks have collided in a military training exercise involving a foreign military near Rockhampton, with 12 people flown by military helicopter.

Two tanks have collided near Rockhampton. (File picture)

A dozen soldiers have been injured after two tanks collided in an international military training exercise near Rockhampton.

The incident occurred at Shoalwater Bay training area about 7.30pm on Tuesday when two military tanks collided.

A military helicopter flew 12 injured soldiers to Rockhampton Airport before they were taken to hospital by paramedics.

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) spokesman said one tank rear-ended another.

“At approximately 7.40pm Australia time, one Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle rear-ended another while moving back to base at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia,” they said in a statement.

“Twelve SAF servicemen sustained non-serious injuries and they have been transported to the hospital. They are currently being treated or recovering well.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance.

“The Army has called for a safety pause to remind drivers to maintain proper distance.”

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said the patients were flown to Rockhampton Airport in a military Chinook where they were met by paramedics and taken to hospital.

“A military helicopter transported a patient with reported more serious injuries directly to Rockhampton Hospital helicopter pad from the initial scene,” the spokeswoman said.

A Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said all of people had been discharged but one, and they are in a stable condition.

No Australian military personnel were injured in the incident.

The Shoalwater Bay Training Area is about 100km north of Rockhampton.

Originally published as Two tanks collide in military training exercise near Rockhampton