Soldier killed in vehicle roll during ADF training in Townsville identified

The soldier who was killed in a vehicle rollover during an Australian Defence Force training exercise in North Queensland has been identified as Tulsa Rumney, as investigations into the incident continue.

Paramedics were called to the crash on Hervey Range Road, west of Townsville, just before 7pm on Wednesday.

The injured Rumney was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in a serious condition, but later succumbed to his injuries.

At a press conference in Sydney on Thursday afternoon, Brigadier Ben McLennan said Rumney had been a member of the Third Battalion, which is an armoured infantry unit.

Rumney served in the army for seven years and had trained Ukrainian soldiers during their war against Russia, McLennan said.

McLennan said state, federal and Defence investigations were under way.

“We’ve got to give some time to do that, I know they’ll be working as thoroughly and rapidly as they can,” he said.

Two other army personnel were also injured in the crash, with one man in his 30s also airlifted to Townsville University Hospital with chest and abdominal injuries.

Another man, in his 20s, suffered back injuries and was driven to the hospital in an ambulance.

Both were discharged from hospital early on Thursday.

The accident happened during a crew commanders course at Townsville Field Training Area, and involved an M113 armoured personnel carrier, which McLennan described as routine.

Two soldiers died after a vehicle rolled down an embankment during a training exercise at the same training facility in 2021.

McLennan said Rumney was known as a “real character” who regularly mentored young soldiers.

He expressed his sympathies for Rumney’s loved ones.

“We grieve with them, we grieve for him, and we stand ready, resolute [and] determined to honour his service,” he said.

Premier David Crisafulli paid tribute to those injured in the incident, as well as ADF personnel more broadly.

“We have great respect for our servicemen and women – what they do to keep us safe, the sacrifices they make,” he told parliament on Thursday morning.

“Our defence personnel are important to our state, and they’re very important to the Townsville community.

“I know the local community will stand beside those affected as the circumstances of this incident are understood and all in this house are thinking of everyone involved.”

Speaking to ABC News on Thursday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Rumney had “served with distinction”.

“This is a huge loss for the soldiers unit, for the Third Brigade and for the nation,” Marles said.

“[Rumney’s death] is a reminder that the work that the men and women of our defence force to each and every day.”

In a joint statement, federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor, opposition defence industry and personnel spokeswoman Melissa Price and assistant opposition defence spokesman Phillip Thompson expressed their “deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues” of Rumney.

“Our thoughts are also with the two other ADF personnel who were seriously injured, their families, and their fellow service members during this difficult time,” they said.

“Incidents like this are a stark reminder of the risks our Defence personnel face, even in training, in their commitment to serve and protect our nation with pride.

“We also acknowledge and thank the first responders and medical teams who are providing care and support.”

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