British soldier dies during training exercise in Wiltshire

Police are investigating the incident on Salisbury Plain as soldier dies

A soldier has died during a training exercise in Wiltshire this weekend, the army has confirmed. Wiltshire Today, a local news website is reporting that a tank had rolled over during the tragic incident. The soldier sustained serious injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene. The event happened in Salisbury Plain Training Area in the vicinity of a village called Enford. It is about ten miles south of Devizes. 

An army spokesperson 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.” At the height of the incident, a group of around a dozen police officers were in attendance. There was a mix of local Wiltshire police and Ministry of Defence officers investigating the site. 

As the incident was called in, two fire engines and a heavy rescue unit were sent to assist with the apparently upended tank. A Hazardous Area Response Team made up of a group of specialist paramedics responded to the call. They are trained to deal with extreme incidents.

Salisbury Plain Training Area has been owned by the British Army since 1897. The training area covers 25 miles x 10 miles, 1/9 of the county of Wiltshire. Approximately 12,150 ha is used for live firing and as impact areas.  Public access is permanently restricted in certain areas, including the Imber Live Firing Range.

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