Police will record statements from several witnesses who were present during an explosion at Kem Hobart here to assist investigations into an incident that claimed the lives of two military personnel during a grenade-throwing exercise.
Kuala Muda police chief Hanyan Ramlan said a sudden death report (SDR) investigation has been opened, and police will work closely with all relevant parties in examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The victims were identified as Corporal Norazmi Abu Bakar, 40, from the 6th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD), and Private Siti Khadijah Sungip, 24, from the 1st Squadron of the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD).
“We received information regarding the incident at about 12.30pm, although it is believed the explosion occurred earlier,” Hanyan said when met at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) today.
“Based on our preliminary investigation, the injuries sustained by both victims were from the waist upwards.”
He added that authorities have yet to determine the exact number of personnel and officers present during the training exercise and will gather further details as investigations continue.
According to Hanyan, the male victim was from the Kuala Muda district, while the female victim hailed from Johor.
The bodies have been sent to the Forensic Department of Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar for post-mortem examinations.
A press conference on the incident is expected to be held later tonight by Kedah Deputy Police Chief Baderulhisham Baharudin at the Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters.
Earlier reports stated that the two soldiers died after being struck by an explosive device during a grenade training exercise at the Kem Hobart firing range. Both victims reportedly succumbed to their injuries while being transported to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital.
