Fatal parachute accident claims life of a SANDF member

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A soldier from 44 Parachute Regiment was killed in a parachute accident in Bloemfontein, the South African National Defence Force says.

Spokesman Siphiwe Dlamini said the accident occurred on Friday during routine training. “The member jumped and landed safely, but was whisked by strong wind for about 100 m before he could release himself from the parachute after landing,” said Dlamini yesterday. It is not known why he could not escape his harness faster.
“He bumped around for a hundred metres. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.” The SANDF had not released the soldier’s name as his next of kin had yet to be informed. The minister of defence and military veterans, Chief of the SANDF and Chief of the SA Army extended their sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased, Dlamini said.

Another paratrooper died earlier this year and another jumper was hospitalised with two broken bones. The Afrikaans daily Beeld reports they likely collided in the air after one fell to his death.