Defence Forces member hospitalised after incident during parachute jump

The accident, which involved the male soldier making a ‘hard landing’, happened earlier this afternoon at Custume Barracks in Athlone.

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A MALE MEMBER of the Defence Forces has been seriously injured this afternoon during a routine parachute jump in Co Westmeath.

The incident happened at Custume Barracks in Athlone.

It’s understood that the soldier made a ‘hard landing’ from his jump, but that his parachute was operational and did open.

He was treated on scene and then rushed to Tallaght Hospital in Dublin.

His condition is unknown at present, but it is understood that he is responding to medical treatment.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said it is not yet in a position to comment on the incident.

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