An Australian Defence Force soldier who died during a training exercise in Townsville, Queensland has been identified as Tulsa Rumney from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Rumney was killed on Wednesday night when an M113 armoured personnel carrier carrying three soldiers rolled during a routine crew commanders course.
Two others were injured in the crash at the Townsville Field Training Area on Hervey Range Road.
Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the M113 fleet had been grounded while investigations were underway.
“Right now, in this immediate moment, the fleet of M113s has been grounded,” he said.
“That’s the prudent step to take.”
Marles said the vehicles were due to be replaced by new Redback infantry fighting vehicles from 2027.
Australian Army Third Brigade Commander Brigadier Ben McLennan confirmed the soldiers had been taking part in a routine course when the rollover occurred.
He said it was too early to determine what caused the incident, but an investigation involving Defence and police was ongoing.
Brigadier McLennan described Rumney as a respected leader and mentor who had served in the Army for seven and a half years.
“The soldier who died last night served his nation proudly and passionately,” he said.
“He was a leader of young soldiers and mentored them routinely. He had a distinguished service, he served in support of our nation during the Covid crisis, contributed to our partnership with Papua New Guinea and trained Ukraine Armed Forces for their conflict in Eastern Europe.
“He was known as a real character among his mates and was also known as someone who always put his service before himself.
“His memory will be cherished and honoured.”
Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, were called to the scene shortly after 6.40pm.
One man, aged in his 30s, was flown to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition with chest and abdominal injuries, while another man in his 20s was taken to the same hospital with back injuries. Both have since been discharged.
Marles paid tribute to Rumney, saying his sacrifice was a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by Defence personnel.
“This is very much a reminder that the work that the men and women of our Defence Force do each and every day comes with danger,” he told the ABC.
“This soldier’s sacrifice is very much in our nation’s name.”
Local federal MP Phillip Thompson, an Army veteran, said members of the 3rd Battalion were rallying together.
“They weren’t all there but that unit is very close, they are very tight-knit and they are rallying around each other in what is a tough time,” Thompson said.
“They wanted to highlight the great work of [emergency services] on the ground who arrived very quickly.”
In an earlier statement posted to X, Marles said his thoughts were with the soldier’s loved ones and the broader ADF community.
“As a small, tight-knit community I know this will be felt right across Townsville and the entire Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“This is a tragic loss and the sacrifice of our service personnel weighs heavily on us all.
“Our service men and women wear our nation’s uniform with pride and we recognise the risks they take each and every day in the defence of our nation.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli also paid tribute in a statement on Thursday, saying: “Every day our service men and women put themselves in harm’s way while protecting our country. We send our thoughts to those involved, their families, and the entire ADF community.”
The incident comes after several other training accidents in recent years, including a truck rollover south of Townsville in 2021 that killed two soldiers and a parachute accident in March 2024 that claimed the life of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon.
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