Dutch soldier dies during nighttime training exercise in Germany

A Dutch soldier was killed Tuesday evening during a training exercise in Germany, the Ministry of Defense reported. The victim was a 28-year-old corporal first class with the Royal Netherlands Army.

A Marechaussee spokesperson reported that the accident involved a Fennek armored vehicle and took place at night. The accident occured near the Munster Süd training area, which is between Hamburg and Hannover.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the incident seems to have been accidental. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee has launched an investigation, while the Dutch Safety Board and the Defense Safety Inspectorate are each conducting initial assessments.

“The Ministry of Defense is shocked and sympathizes with the relatives and close colleagues of the deceased,” the statement said. Chief of Defense Onno Eichelsheim also expressed his condolences on X.

The 28-year-old corporal had been taking part in Ferocious Bison, a military exercise in northern Germany with around 550 participants. The exercise was halted a day early because of the death.

This marks the third Dutch death during a military exercise in Germany in just over 18 months. In March of last year, a 28-year-old officer sustained severe injuries during an infantry fighting vehicle exercise and later succumbed in the hospital. Then, in April, a 21-year-old first-class soldier lost his life.