One Canadian soldier killed, three injured in Afghanistan vehicle accident
CEFCOM NR–06.016 - August 5, 2006
OTTAWA – One Canadian soldier was killed and three others injured when their “G Wagon” (Gelaendenwagen) light utility vehicle was involved in an accident with a civilian truck about 35 kilometres southeast of Kandahar City. The incident occurred today at 11:55 a.m. Kandahar time (3:25 a.m. EDT).
The accident caused the death of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, a reservist serving with Task Force Afghanistan. Master Cpl. Arndt was a member of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment based in Edmonton, Alberta.
All of the injured soldiers were evacuated to the Canadian-led multi-national hospital at Kandahar Airfield. Corporal Jared Gagnon, also a reservist with The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, is in very serious condition and he will be transferred to the U.S. medical facility at Landstuhl, Germany. The remaining two soldiers suffered non-life threatening injuries. Their names will not be released, as a decision to repatriate them has not yet been made, although one of them will also be airlifted to Landstuhl Germany for further treatment and evaluation. All next-of-kin have been notified.
The soldiers, all part of the National Support Element, were travelling in a resupply convoy on Highway 4 to the Canadian Forward Operating Base at Spin Boldak when the accident occurred. The exact circumstances of the accident are not known at this time, although enemy action has been ruled out. The accident is under investigation by Canadian and Afghan authorities.
The repatriation of Master Cpl. Arndt’s remains is now being planned. Details will be released as they become available.
The National Support Element plays a critical role in sustaining Canadian troops deployed to forward operating bases. Master Cpl. Arndt lost his life while bringing critical supplies to his comrades; his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
There are significant risks involved in these operations, but Canadian Forces members are among the best trained, and most experienced soldiers in the world. They are well led, well equipped, and fully prepared for the mission in Afghanistan.
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NOTE TO EDITOR:
A photograph of Master Cpl. Arndt is available on the Combat Camera Website (search under last name) at: http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/
