Two soldiers, whose identities were not released to the media, are now hospitalized following an accident during a routine paratrooping exercise at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
Based on reports received, the two soldiers, attached to the 31 Special Forces Squadron of the Guyana Defence Force, sustained injuries after their parachutes became entangled on Thursday at about 08:15h.
The two soldiers were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they are listed as being in stable condition but are being evaluated to determine the seriousness of their injuries.
The families of the two men were contacted, and an investigation has been launched into the accident.
Questioned about the incident, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, told media operatives that it is normal for paratroopers to be injured during an exercise. He explained that in some cases there is a “may-west”, an occurrence where there is no air and the parachutes do not open as they should.
The minister explained that paratrooping has always been an occupational hazard, especially when someone is in the military. Harmon reiterated: “These injuries do occur when they (paratroopers) exit a moving aircraft”.
