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Australian Soldier Killed By Falling Tree Branch

The Army member was in training area near Rockhampton.

An Australian Army soldier has died after he was struck by a tree branch, the Defence Force announced Thursday.

The soldier was travelling in an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in the Shoalwater Training Area, near Rockhampton in Queensland, when he was fatally struck on Thursday morning.

Defence reports the incident happened about 8.20am Thursday, and the soldier died at the scene.

The soldier's family has been notified and Queensland Police is investigating the accidental death.

"The Army and broader ADF community extends its deepest sympathies to the soldier's family and friends," Defence said in a statement.

"Defence will not be releasing any further information relating to the member's personal or service history at this time.

"The soldier's unit was participating in a routine training exercise. No other occupants of the vehicle were injured."

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