Soldier injured during live firing training

A soldier was injured while operating a standard-issue light machine gun late this morning. File photo / Mark Mitchell

A soldier was injured by a stray bullet casing during live firing training at Waiouru army base, in the central North Island, today.

Defence Force spokesman Major Kristian Dunne said the casing struck the soldier's shoulder while he was operating a standard-issue light machine gun late this morning.

"A bullet has gone off in the barrel and elements of the case, or the case itself, has struck him in the shoulder and caused injuries," he said.

The soldier was taken to the base and then to Palmerston North Hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

"He can talk, he's fine, but he's having his shoulder treated for the injuries."

The soldier's family had been informed.

It was too early to say what caused the incident, Maj Dunne said.

"There's numerous things that can cause it in terms of the weapon itself."

A Court of Inquiry would establish how the incident occurred and make recommendations on how to avoid similar incidents in the future.

- NZPA