Leopard 2 tank overturns in Austria, one fatality reported
Leopard 2 overturns in Austria outside the training ground (photo: tanknutdave.com)
Near the Allensteig military training ground in Austria, a Leopard 2 tank overturned on October 16. As a result of the vehicle falling off a cliff, one crew member lost their life, and three others sustained injuries, according to ORF.AT.
According to a spokesperson for the country's armed forces, Michael Bauer, there were four individuals in the tank. As a result of the accident, a 24-year-old sergeant from the district of Reideimkraus lost his life. Three other soldiers, a 23-year-old sergeant and two military personnel aged 19 and 20, sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Horn.
The Austrian army reported that a rescue operation was promptly initiated, involving several ambulances and at least one helicopter. The exact cause of the accident remains unknown at this time. Preliminary information suggests that the tank was outside the training ground.
As of October 2023, Austria has 58 Leopard 2 tanks of various modifications in its arsenal.
Transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
As a reminder, some European countries have decided to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 and Leopard tanks as part of military assistance. In total, the allies have promised to provide two battalions of Leopard 2 tanks - approximately 60 vehicles.
Moreover, Poland has agreed to establish a service center on its territory for the maintenance of these tanks. The Polish Minister of Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak, had promised to open the center in May, but negotiations with Germany have been delayed.
Recently, Canada announced a new package of military support for Ukraine, with part of the funds earmarked for the technical servicing and repair of Leopard 2 tanks provided by the allies in Poland.
