A SOLDIER was killed during a training exercise in Weymouth.

The man from the 53rd Field Squadron Royal Engineers suffered what were described as ‘massive head injuries’ when he and his fellow soldiers were taking down a support bridge at the Wyke Regis Training Area on Camp Road.

The air ambulance was scrambled and three police cars and two fire engines were also called to the camp close to the Fleet Lagoon when the tragedy unfolded early yesterday morning.

Fellow soldiers and paramedics from the first response vehicle and a land ambulance tried to resuscitate the man but they were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The military police have now taken control of an investigation involving Dorset Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

It is understood the soldier was aged 30 and from Cambridge.

Speaking soon after the tragedy, Major Ian Drummond, Commandant of the training area, said: “There has been a serious incident here on the camp during routine training.

“It’s subject to an ongoing investigation.”

Dog owners walking their pets along the hills next to the Fleet saw the emergency services heading down Camp Road and entering the training area.

Jane Russell, who lives on Camp Road, was surprised to see so many emergency services go past her front door. She said: “I saw the lights and ambulances coming down Camp Road at about 8.30am and then I saw the yellow air ambulance come down when I was getting ready to take my dog Shadow out.”

She added: “All the sirens were blaring and they were all tearing down the road so I thought it must have been something serious. The fire engine came later without its sirens on.”

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance service confirmed the crew attended and tried to save the life of a man from the Royal Engineers.

He said: “It was an accident with a bridge and he suffered massive head injuries.

“They did attempt resuscitation but it was in vain and he was declared deceased at the scene.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said they initially received reports of a ‘suspected industrial accident’ before arriving. He said; “A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“There are no suspicious circumstances.”

An MOD spokesman said: “Our sympathy is with the soldier's family at this difficult time.”

The next of kin and the coroner have been informed.