US paratroopers injured in German training accident

The accident occurred at the Grafenwoehr training area on Wednesday, when several soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade landed in trees, said Major Chris Bradley, spokesman for the brigade. German emergency teams responded to the scene and one rescuer was injured during the operation, Bradley said.

Six American soldiers were injured in a training accident in Germany when they drifted off course during a parachute drop, the military said on Thursday. The accident occurred at the Grafenwoehr training area on Wednesday, when several soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade landed in trees, said Major Chris Bradley, spokesman for the brigade.

German emergency teams responded to the scene and one rescuer was injured during the operation, Bradley said. Of the six soldiers who were injured, three remained in local hospitals on Thursday for further evaluation and treatment. The others have returned to their units.

All injured are expected to fully recover, Bradley said. The cause of the incident is under investigation by US Army authorities.

“Airborne operations carry inherent risks,” he said. “This is precisely why we practice all phases of jumping regularly and ensure our paratroopers jump often to keep their skills sharp.”.