A dozen British soldiers sustained injuries in a significant vehicular collision in Estonia, situated near the Russian border, according to local reports.
Of the injured, eight servicemen – part of a prominent NATO operation aimed at countering Russian hostility – were transported back to the UK for medical attention on Sunday following the event, which occurred during snowy weather on Friday.
Five of these personnel have since been released from the hospital, while three remain under care in the military section of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
The incident transpired at a junction around 5 PM on Friday as the troops were heading back to their base located in Tapa in three minibuses.
It is believed that two civilian vehicles, operated by Estonian drivers, collided, instigating a subsequent series of collisions involving four additional vehicles, which included the three army Toyota minibuses and a separate civilian car.
Local news outlets have reported that the vehicles involved in the initial collision were a Volvo S80, driven by a 37-year-old woman, and a BMW 530D, operated by a 62-year-old woman.
The Estonian Postimees news agency reported that not only were 12 British soldiers injured, but also five civilians, all of whom were transported to the hospital via ambulance.
The British forces are deployed in Estonia as part of Operation Cabrit, the UK’s engagement in NATO’s “enhanced forward presence” initiative, which stretches across the alliance’s eastern borders and aims to deter aggression from Russia.
Approximately 900 British personnel are stationed in Estonia, including a regiment equipped with Challenger 2 tanks.
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A representative from the Ministry of Defence stated: “A number of British soldiers serving on Operation CABRIT in Estonia were injured in a traffic mishap last Friday, 22nd November.
“After receiving hospital care in Estonia, eight personnel were transported back to the UK via an RAF C-17 for further medical attention.
“Five have since been discharged while three others are under treatment at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. We extend our wishes for their swift recovery.”
Defence Secretary John Healey remarked: “In light of the road traffic incident involving British personnel in Estonia, my thoughts are with all those impacted, and I hope for a full and rapid recovery for the injured.
“I extend my gratitude to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for their outstanding care.”
