The Malaysian Army launches a Board of Inquiry after a weapon explosion injures two soldiers during a combat exercise at Hobart Camp.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Army has convened a Board of Inquiry to investigate a weapon explosion that injured two personnel during a combat enhancement exercise at the Hobart Camp firing range in Gurun, Kedah, yesterday.
In a statement today, the Army said that during the 6.15 pm incident, Sergeant Mohamad Firdaus Che Shaharudin and Corporal Felix Franchis from the 4th Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (4 RRD) sustained leg injuries from shrapnel.
The statement noted that the incident took place during a live-fire drill when the soldiers’ weapons experienced a stoppage and failed to fire.
“Both personnel immediately followed established safety procedures to handle the situation. However, a sudden explosion occurred, causing shrapnel injuries to both soldiers’ legs,” read the statement.
The two soldiers were given immediate first aid at the site by military medical staff before being moved to Sik Hospital for further treatment.
The Army confirmed that Mohamad Firdaus received outpatient treatment and has been discharged back to his unit, while Felix was transferred to the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani for further treatment and observation.
According to the statement, the firing range has been temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation.
“The Army views this incident seriously and will ensure that training safety and standard operating procedures are always prioritised,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Army urged the public and social media users to refrain from speculation that could disrupt the investigation, and to respect the privacy of the affected personnel and their families.
“Further updates will be provided as they become available,” it added.
