Media Room: Media Releases

TWO AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS INJURED IN EAST TIMOR

Two Australian Soldiers have sustained serious injuries after falling down a steep slope in East Timor last night. The soldiers were part of a patrol that was at an overnight staging site while conducting routine operations approximately 60 km South West of Dili.

The soldiers fell down the slope while moving around their patrol position just after midnight, and as a result both soldiers sustained head, facial, back and shoulder injuries.

The exact circumstances of the incident will be the subject of an investigation and can not be confirmed at this time.

The soldiers received initial medical treatment from their patrol mates before being moved by helicopter to the Aspen Medical Centre in Dili for further treatment and assessment.

Defence Force spokesperson Brigadier Brian Dawson said that following detailed medical assessment, the soldiers have been moved to Australia for specialist medical treatment.

“We have moved these soldiers back to Australia to ensure they continue to receive the best medical care available.  While both men have serious injuries, they are in good spirits,” Brigadier Dawson said.

The Next of Kin of both soldiers have been informed.

The names of the soldiers will not be released at this time.

More information about ADF operations in East Timor can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opastute/index.htm

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664