Swiss army soldier seriously injured in accident on Simplon Pass

Army soldier seriously injured in accident on Simplon Pass Keystone-SDA

A member of the Swiss army was seriously injured on Friday while manoeuvring a self-propelled howitzer on the Simplon Pass in Valais. After receiving initial medical treatment at the scene of the accident, he was flown to hospital in an Air Zermatt helicopter.

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The accident occurred at the Simplon military firing range, as reported by the Swiss Army on Saturday. While reversing, an M109 self-propelled howitzer collided with a vehicle of the same type behind it.

According to the statement, a member of the army was trapped in a hatch and suffered injuries to his head and chest as a result. He received initial medical treatment at the scene from the troop paramedics and was then flown to hospital, the statement added.

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The injured member of the armed forces is currently completing his practical service at Artillery and Reconnaissance School 31. The military justice authorities have initiated a preliminary hearing of evidence, the army announced.

Translated from German by DeepL/jdp

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