The Army has called in a metallurgical expert to examine the mortar involved in the explosion which caused a soldier to lose a hand in Cork last month. It is understood an examination of the weapon, which was manufactured in the mid-1950s, has suggested that parts might have been suffering from metal fatigue.
According to Army sources, it is suspected a part at the base of the mortar may have suffered metal fatigue, probably as a result of constant use over a period of more than 40 years. The mortar consists of three parts: a tube, a bipod and a base plate. It is thought the base plate may have malfunctioned, causing an explosion after a rocket was dropped into the mortar during a night-time exercise at the Kilworth Firing Range in Co Cork.
The blast most severely injured Pte Laura Guerin (19) and also less seriously injured four other soldiers stationed in Army barracks in Tipperary and Cork. Pte Guerin was taken to Cork University Hospital where surgeons unsuccessfully tried to save her left hand.
The accident was the most serious involving a mortar in recent years and could well have been fatal, according to sources. Immediately after the accident, every similar piece of equipment was withdrawn pending the outcome of the investigation.
The weapon involved is a 60mm Hotchkiss-Brandt mortar manufactured in France. It was purchased in large numbers by the Army during the 1950s and is deployed with every infantry battalion. It is the most common mortar used by the Defence Forces and is said to have a good service record, although it is acknowledged that the weapon is reaching the upper age limit of its serviceability.
The Defence Forces use two other larger mortars, an 81mm and a 120mm, and these are likely to remain in service.