Blast injures three soldiers

An explosion during a live-firing training session at the Waiouru Military Camp that put three soldiers in hospital looks likely to have been caused by a hand grenade.

Two young men were immediately flown by helicopter to Palmerston North Hospital after the blast, which happened about 5.30 on Wednesday evening.

Last night one of men was in a serious condition while the other was stable.

Both men's families spent the day at the soldiers' bedsides.

The third man was taken to the same hospital by ambulance, but was discharged yesterday morning.

The Army has refused to name the men or say how old they are.

Major Denise McKay told the Herald that 80 soldiers were taking part in an exercise involving guns and grenades when the accident happened.

"They had just completed the live firing exercise - in which they use their personal rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers - when the explosion occurred," Major McKay said.

"They had completed taking part in refurbishing the position and the stores and equipment used [where soldiers pick up used shell casings and undergo a stock-take of unused live ammunition].

"It appears the explosion occurred while they were doing the refurbishing."

The nature of the blast was consistent with grenades, or 40mm rounds used in grenade launchers, Major McKay said.

The three injured soldiers were near one another, although the remaining 77 personnel were scattered throughout a large area.

Major McKay said the entire group had been stood down from taking part in further Army exercises. All were part of the first battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based in Linton.