A young army officer is in critical condition today after he was injured during a military exercise in Co Cork last night.
The man, who is based in Collins Barracks, Cork, was working at a safety umpire in a night firing exercise at Kilworth range at about 11.30pm when he received blast injuries.
Army paramedics were on the scene and moved him by ambulance from the range within minutes of the accident.
He has been taken to Cork University Hospital where his condition is described as critical but stable. The lieutenant is expected to undergo surgery this morning.
His family and next of kin have been informed of the incident and are at the hospital.
The scene has been preserved and a Military Police investigation is to start later today.
No one else was injured during the incident.
Defence Minister Willie O’Dea expressed his concern for the army officer.
“This young man is in our thoughts and prayers this morning. I want to take this opportunity to wish him and his family well in dealing with this accident and in recovering from his injuries," he said.