Thirteen soldiers have been injured in an accidental crash involving two Australian Defense Force (ADF) vehicles outside of Lismore, NSW, with at least three soldiers dealing with serious injuries, per the ABC.
The incident occurred on Tregeagle Road in Tregeagle on Saturday, although it is currently unclear on how the two army vehicles collided with each other.
The ADF is currently stationed in the NSW area to help assist with the ongoing flood relief and rescue efforts due to the ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
While it was initially reported by NSW Albumance that all 36 soldiers involved has been injured, an ADF spokesperson has since states that only 13 individuals were hurt.
The army vehicles crashed outside of Lismore. (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald/Nick Moir)
In a statement, the ADF said that the “welfare” of all those involved is a “priority” for Defense.
“The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved,” a spokesperson said.
“Due to the developing nature of the incident, no further information will be available at this time, however Defence will provide further updates when possible.”
The injured are currently being treated at Lismore Base Hospital.
NSW Premier Chris Minns wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post that he is “very concerned” about the situation.
“They came to the Northern Rivers to help keep this community safe,” the post read.
“NSW emergency services are currently responding on the scene and we will provide all support necessary.”
Minns’ tweet on the situation. (Source: X)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a joint statement with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles on the situation and described the soldiers injured as “heroes”.
“A short time ago there was a serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore,” the statement began.
“A number of ADF personnel have been injured, some seriously. Medical assistance is on hand. We stress this is an ongoing incident.
“Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families. Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need.”
Despite the fact that Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to an ex-Tropical storm, severe weather warnings are still in place for areas surrounding southeast Queensland and northern NSW.
For information on how to prepare for a cyclone, click HERE. You can check out all the associated storm and cyclone warnings HERE. If you’re in an affected storm area, you can find advice HERE.
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