Private Jethro Watson-Pickering
A soldier died trapped in his overturned tank because fire-fighters were held back by live ammunition.
The armoured tank was packed with live rounds – stopping fire brigade rescuers from using cutting equipment.
Private Jethro Watson-Pickering, 23, of the 1st Yorkshire Regiment, was trapped in the tank during an exercise on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire..
He died from his injuries.
A regimental statement said:
“The Yorkshire Regiment very much regrets to announce the death on Friday, October 15, of Pte Jethro Watson-Pickering.
“The thoughts and prayers of the regimental family are with his family.”
Wiltshire Police said a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and the Army has been launched.
A force spokesman added:
“We are investigating the circumstances following the death of a 23-year-old soldier at midday on October 15th.
“He was part of a crew operating an armoured vehicle and was taking part in a military exercise on Salisbury Plain Training Area near the village of Enford.
“This is now a joint investigation between Wiltshire Police, the Army and the Health and Safety Executive.
“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.”
