Holy Cow, .50 Cal. Accident. Why Was It Loaded?

[FC]

PRELIMINARY LOSS REPORT 06139

 

 

WEAPONS HANDLING CLAIMS 1 SOLDIER'S LIFE - ACCIDENT

 

 

 

A 2nd BCT, 2nd Infantry Division Soldier died from a negligent discharge on 08 June 2006 at 0900 local in Ft. Carson, Colorado. The 28-year-old PV2 was one of several Soldiers moving equipment. The PV2 was placing an M2 0.50 cal machine gun into a HMMWV. When the weapon stopped sliding he used his right hip to push it into the vehicle. The weapon then discharged a round into the Soldiers hip and wounded another Soldier. Several other Soldiers suffered minor lacerations. They were taken to a local medical center where the PV2 died as a result of his injuries.

 

 

 

Including this accident, there were 2 fatalities attributed to Negligent Discharge accidents from the start of FY06 to 8 Jun 2006 compared to 5 fatalities in all of FY05.

 

 

 

Although details are limited at this time, consider the following actions to help prevent weapons handling discharges:

 

ü Treat every weapon as if it is loaded. When first handling a weapon, especially if it is not your own visually inspect its chamber to ensure it is not loaded. For a detailed description of unloading and clearing procedures for the M2 0.50 cal. See FM3-22.65 (AKO log-in required) for clearing procedures.

 

ü Ensure all weapons are cleared prior to handling. Crews should take time to check and verify after completing each range with a second check conducted prior to entering the assembly area.

 

ü Ensure the weapon is pointed in a safe direction and away from personnel.

 

ü Ensure weapons handling, weapons status and clearing procedures (Handbook on Safe Weapons Handling Procedures, Page 2) are in place, communicated to all personnel, routinely reviewed, and ruthlessly enforced.