The M109A5 self-propelled gun "powder barrel" caught fire without warning. Gu Lixiong: The injured sergeant was fine after being sent to the hospital.

Minister of National Defense Gu Lixiong. (Photo by reporter Chen Zhicheng)

[Reporter Chen Zhicheng/Report from Taipei] The Sixth Army of the Army today confirmed that the cartridge in the cabin of an M109A5 self-propelled artillery truck belonging to the 542nd Brigade of the Allied Forces "fired without warning" during today's combat readiness patrol. Afterwards, a staff sergeant suffered second-degree burns on his head and hands and was immediately sent to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is now being identified by the Army Command. In this regard, Defense Minister Gu Lixiong said that the commander suffered burns and scalds at the time of the incident, but his life was no longer in danger after being sent to the hospital. The military will actively provide follow-up treatment and counseling.

According to media reports, the 542nd Brigade of the Army's Sixth Army Corps was on a combat readiness reconnaissance mission today. The cartridge in the cabin of an M109A5 self-propelled artillery vehicle caught fire without warning. The sergeant gunner nearby was burned on the spot and quickly jumped out of the vehicle to escape. However, the sergeant still suffered 24% burns on his face and hands. He was immediately sent to the National Army 804 Hospital for emergency treatment. He is now conscious and his life is not in danger. In addition, the M109A5 is the latest model of self-propelled artillery in active service in the Army, and the exact cause of the fire is still being clarified by military investigation.

In this regard, Defense Minister Gu Lixiong said in an interview after the inquiry on the supplementary budget bill in the hospital today that the cause of the car fire needs to be further clarified. As for the injured, "it should be the commander of the car. He suffered some burns." After being sent to the hospital, his life is not in danger, and follow-up treatment and counseling will be actively provided.

The Sixth Army Corps Headquarters responded today (3rd) and confirmed that an M109A5 self-propelled artillery vehicle belonging to the 542nd Brigade B was on a combat readiness mission in the camp in the morning. The vehicle caught fire due to unknown reasons, causing non-commissioned officer surnamed Li to suffer approximately 2-degree burns on his face and limbs. The unit immediately dispatched fire trucks to extinguish the fire and sent the injured to the National Army Taoyuan General Hospital for treatment. The personnel were conscious.

The Sixth Army Corps emphasized that the family members of the noncommissioned officer surnamed Li have rushed to the hospital to visit. The doctor explained the treatment situation and that there was no danger to his life. The unit set up a task force to investigate the cause and provide the best medical care.