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• A total of 96 soldiers were injured
• A temporary grandstand collapsed

Nearly 100 troops were hurt when the bench they were resting on gave way during a photo session at Australia’s biggest military installation.

Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, located in the north.Queenslandjust before 2 p.m. on Friday,with the incident causing a ‘significant ambulance response’.

Military staff provided initial medical assistance to their injured coworkers as they awaited the arrival of paramedics.

A total of 96 patients received treatment on the spot, with 17 being taken to Townsville University Hospital in stable condition.

Another 41 were taken to a nearby health facility.

Most injuries involved cuts and small wounds on patients’ arms and legs, according to a Queensland Ambulance report.spokesman said.  

Several ambulances were observed speeding in and out of the barracks following the collapse of the temporary grandstand during a photo session featuring soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CAV).

‘During a standard group photo session, a temporary stand collapsed, causing several soldiers to fall and suffer injuries that were not immediately life-threatening, according to an Australian Defence representative who spoke to Daily Mail.

Multiple soldiers received care at the Lavarack Health Centre. Several troops were also taken to nearby hospitals for additional evaluation and treatment.

The Defense department is closely observing the circumstances and offering assistance to impacted soldiers and their families, which remains our top concern.

Further welfare and assistance programs have been implemented inside the unit and across the broader Defence network to guarantee that all personnel receive proper care.

Thanks to the Queensland Ambulance Service for their assistance during this event.

The ADF is currently in the process of informing affected families about the health, safety, and welfare of its personnel.

“The region has been secured, and an inquiry will be conducted to prevent such occurrences from happening in the future,” Lieutenant Colonel Peter Francis said to journalists later.

Crews from the Queensland Fire Services also helped with the emergency response, but it has now been verified that no one was trapped in the incident.

2CAV is a mounted cavalry unit within the Australian Army.

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