Arabic version: مقتل جندي في تدريب عسكري بجبل بوندي

According to The Guardian, an Australian Army soldier died and five other soldiers were injured during a training exercise at the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory. Defence said the incident occurred on 5 October 2026, at the facility about 100km south-east of Darwin.

The defence department confirmed the death in a statement released on Tuesday morning but did not immediately disclose the nature of the incident or the cause of death. It said further updates would be provided when possible. Next of kin had been notified, and Defence requested privacy for members and their families.

Northern Territory chief minister Lia Finocchiaro said the incident occurred on Monday evening. She said two people were evacuated by helicopter to Darwin at about 7.30pm and three others were taken by plane at about 9.30pm. Police officers were sent to the facility to assist Defence, with police commissioner Martin Dole saying they were helping investigate on behalf of the coroner.

Acting prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles described the death as a tragic loss and said Defence was supporting the families. Prime minister Anthony Albanese, who was in Tuvalu for the pre-COP leaders’ meeting, offered condolences and said the incident was a reminder of what families take on when a loved one serves in uniform. Opposition leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition was awaiting further government updates and wished the injured soldiers a full and swift recovery.