In a heartbreaking incident during a training exercise in November 2016, a British soldier tragically lost his life after resting his chin on a gun he didn’t realize was loaded.
The soldier, Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, was just 24 years old when the accident occurred at RAF Tain in Scotland.
The Events Leading to the Fatal Accident
Lance Corporal Spencer, originally from Hampshire and later based in Edinburgh, had served in Afghanistan and joined the army in 2011.
He was participating in a sniper training course when the incident took place.
The inquiry revealed that after completing a shooting exercise, Spencer rested his chin on his rifle without ensuring it was unloaded.
The weapon discharged, causing a fatal head injury.
The investigation has now concluded that this tragic accident could have been avoided.
Inquiry Reveals Avoidable Mistakes and Inadequate Procedures
Sheriff Gary Aitken, who presided over the inquiry, stated that Spencer’s failure to conduct a necessary unload drill was an “utterly inexplicable” mistake.
He highlighted that Spencer was unaware the rifle was still loaded when he rested it on his chin.
While the investigation found no faults in the systems or malice from the individuals involved, it pointed out that Spencer’s failure to unload the weapon was the critical error.
A 206-page judgment further outlined that while each decision leading up to the event appeared harmless, the lack of attention to detail in the unloading process had devastating consequences.
The inquiry also revealed concerns about supervision and procedures during the training course but noted that the Army had since taken steps to address these issues.
The Personal Loss and Continued Questions
Lance Corporal Spencer’s family expressed their distress over the findings and the earlier Service Inquiry report, which cited a “series of errors and poor judgment.”
They believe that had the training been conducted properly, Spencer would still be alive.
They expressed deep sorrow, feeling that the required safety protocols were not followed, and that Joe’s death could have been avoided.
Training Facility History and Safety Concerns
The RAF Tain facility, where the training took place, has a history of being used by various military forces, including the RAF, Army, and NATO air forces.
It houses multiple ranges and targets for different types of weaponry and training exercises. T
he facility has also seen previous incidents, including a shooting fatality that occurred just months before Spencer’s death.
The Army is expected to comment on the conclusions and recommendations made by the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the tragic loss of a dedicated soldier like Lance Corporal Spencer continues to raise questions about training procedures and the importance of safety measures in military training.
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