Australian Soldier Killed, Two Injured in Army Truck Rollover – High Range Training Area, Hervey Range, QLD – 15 October 2025

Incident Overview
An Australian Army soldier has died and two others were injured following a military vehicle rollover during training exercises near Townsville on Wednesday evening, October 15, 2025.

Emergency services were called to the High Range Training Area in Hervey Range, about 50 kilometres west of Townsville, shortly after 6:00 pm. The rollover involved a military truck carrying three soldiers.

Two soldiers — a man in his 20s and another in his 30s — sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Townsville University Hospital in stable conditions. The third soldier, who suffered life-threatening injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles extended condolences to the soldier’s family and the Defence community, describing the loss as a “tragic reminder of the risks faced by those who serve.”

“My thoughts are with the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of the Australian Army soldier who has sadly passed away following a training incident near Townsville last night.” — Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles

Location and Time

• Crash Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (shortly after 6:00 pm)
• Location: High Range Training Area, Hervey Range, approximately 50km west of Townsville, Queensland

Vehicles Involved

• Australian Army military truck, carrying three soldiers

Injuries/Fatalities

• Fatality:
  • One Australian Army soldier, deceased at the scene from life-threatening injuries sustained in the rollover.
• Serious Injuries:
  • Two soldiers — one aged in his 20s and another in his 30s — transported to Townsville University Hospital in stable condition and later discharged.

Emergency Response

• Emergency crews and Defence medical personnel attended the High Range Training Area after reports of a serious vehicle rollover.
• Paramedics treated all three soldiers at the scene.
• Two injured soldiers were airlifted and transported to Townsville University Hospital for further care.
• Defence investigators and military police secured the site and commenced an internal review.

“This is a tragic loss and the sacrifice of our service personnel weighs heavily on us all.” — Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles

Investigation
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has launched an internal investigation into the cause of the rollover, which occurred during a field training exercise at the High Range Training Area, one of the nation’s largest and most active military training facilities.

The investigation will consider:

• Vehicle condition and maintenance records of the army truck involved.
• Road and terrain conditions within the training ground at the time of the crash.
• Operational safety and supervision protocols during the training exercise.
• Compliance with ADF vehicle handling and fatigue management procedures.

Community and Defence Impact
The tragedy has deeply affected the Townsville Defence community, home to the Army’s 3rd Brigade and thousands of service personnel. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli both expressed condolences, emphasising the risks faced by members of the armed forces during training and operations.

The incident follows a previous fatal army vehicle rollover near the same training facility in 2021, renewing calls for strengthened safety protocols during Defence training exercises.

“Every day our service men and women put themselves in harm’s way while protecting our country.” — Premier David Crisafulli

Appeal for Information
While the investigation is being handled internally by the ADF, members of the public with relevant information about road activity or unusual circumstances near Hervey Range on the evening of October 15 are urged to contact Defence or Queensland Police if applicable.