Probe launched after soldier, 23, was killed when ‘tank rolled over’ during military exercise on Salisbury Plain

• Emergency services were called to a public byway in Enford, Wiltshire, on Friday
• It is understood soldier was left with significant injuries after a tank rolled over 
• Police only acknowledged that a training exercise was underway at the time
• An MoD spokesman confirmed death of soldier and said police are investigating 

An investigation has been launched after a soldier died during a military exercise on Salisbury Plain.

The 23-year-old was part of a crew operating an armoured vehicle in a training area near the village of Enford, Wiltshire, when the incident happened on Friday.

Wiltshire Police said a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and the Army has been launched.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: ‘We are investigating the circumstances following the death of a 23-year-old soldier at midday on October 15.

‘He was part of a crew operating an armoured vehicle and was taking part in a military exercise on Salisbury Plain Training Area near the village of Enford.

‘This is now a joint investigation between Wiltshire Police, the Army and the Health and Safety Executive.

An investigation has been launched after a 23-year-old soldier died during a military exercise on Salisbury Plain (stock photo)

‘Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.’

Devizes MP Danny Kruger said: ‘I was very sorry to hear of the death of a soldier on Salisbury Plain yesterday, during training near Enfield.

‘My sincere condolences to the soldier’s family and to his comrades, and my thanks to the police and fire service for their prompt attendance at the scene.

‘While thankfully rare, it is vital that all serious accidents that take place during military training exercises are comprehensively investigated.

‘We owe so much to the young men and women who risk their lives for our safety and we must do everything we can to keep them safe as well.’

An Army spokesman added: ‘It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of a soldier on Salisbury Plain Training Area.

‘Wiltshire Police are investigating and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.’       

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and other specialist paramedics were called to a public byway in Enford, Wiltshire, shortly before midday on Friday.

Emergency services rushed through the village, situated about ten miles south of Devizes, following reports of the serious collision.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it sent two fire engines, from Pewsey and Ludgershall, and a heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge to the scene.

A Hazardous Area Response Team, made up of specialist paramedics trained to deal with the most serious of incidents, and several other South Western Ambulance Service vehicles were seen responding alongside firefighters.

It is understood a tank rolled over in the incident, leaving a soldier with significant injuries, reports Wiltshire Today. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood a tank rolled over in the incident, leaving a soldier with significant injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene (stock photo)

Around a dozen officers from Wiltshire Police and the Military of Defence Police were in attendance.

The collision investigation is being led by traffic officers from the local force, with units parked in Enford Village Hall car park – a short distance from the scene.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police only acknowledged that a training exercise was underway, stating there was ‘a military operation taking place’ at the time. 

They did not make any comment on the road traffic collision.

As darkness fell on the plain, the investigation was ongoing with spotlights erected near the scene of the fatality and two forensic vans parked nearby. 

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: ‘It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of a soldier on Salisbury Plain Training Area.

‘Wiltshire Police are investigating and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.’ 

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