FORT SMITH, AR. - Eight soldiers from the Arkansas National Guard were hurt during a training exercise at Fort Chaffee on Monday, May 4, when three military vehicles collided. The incident, which occurred around 11 a.m., is now under active investigation.
The soldiers are members of the 1st Battalion 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, a unit based in northwest Arkansas. They were participating in an annual training session when the accident involving three Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMMTs) took place on a dirt road.
Colonel Joel Lynch, the Arkansas National Guard's State Public Affairs Officer, confirmed that the first vehicle in the convoy came to a stop. However, the second truck behind it failed to stop in time and struck the lead vehicle. The third HEMMT then also crashed into the back of the second truck. All three vehicles sustained damage to their front and rear sections.
Investigators believe that limited visibility played a significant role in the collision. Officials noted that dust kicked up by the vehicles made it difficult for the drivers to see clearly.
One soldier suffered serious injuries and required surgery. This individual was transported to a hospital in Springfield, Missouri, and is currently reported to be in stable condition. The other seven soldiers involved received treatment for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith.
By Tuesday, May 5, four of the injured soldiers had returned to duty. The brigade announced a temporary safety standdown to reinforce safety procedures. Despite the incident, the training exercise is expected to continue as planned until May 16.
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