A soldier who was a real “character” among his battalion has died in an army vehicle rollover during training near a key garrison city in north Queensland.

Two others, aged in their 30s and 20s, were taken to hospital after the accident west of Townsville, on Hervey Range Road.

The incident was reported as a single-vehicle crash just after 6.30pm on Wednesday.

The Department of Defence confirmed the soldier’s death on Thursday.

It occurred during a routine training course at the Townsville Field Training Area.

Brigade commander Brigadier Ben McLennan told media on Thursday (AEDT) that the vehicle was an M113 armoured personnel carrier.

“It is a very reliable vehicle and we keep its maintenance record in the highest possible standard,” he said.

McLennan said the relevant authorities and agencies were on site or on their way to conduct a “thorough investigation”.

The soldier who lost his life had served “passionately” for 7.5 years and was known as a “real character” within the third Battalion.

“He was a leader, a leader of young soldiers and taught them routinely,” said McLennan.

“He had a distinguished service. He served in support of our nation during the COVID crisis, in contributing to our partnership with Papua New Guinea and in training the Ukraine Armed Forces for their conflict in Eastern Europe.

“He was known as a real character amongst his mates. He was also known as someone who always put his service before himself, and his memory will be cherished and honoured.”

Commander of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade Brigadier Ben McLennan addresses the media on Thursday. Photo: AAP

McLennan expressed his sincere condolences to the soldier’s family, his loved ones and his mates.

“We grieve for him, and we stand ready, resolute, determined to honour his service, and we stand ready, determined, shoulder to shoulder with his loved ones, with his family, with his mates, moving forward.”

Multiple paramedic units and a rescue helicopter attended the scene, Queensland Ambulance said.

One patient “with life-threatening injuries” was assessed at the scene.

A man in his 30s was flown to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition with chest and abdominal injuries.

Another man in his 20s was driven to the same hospital in a stable condition with back injuries.

Both have since been released, the department said.

Defence minister Richard Marles said the death would be felt right across Townsville and the entire Australian Defence Force.

“This is a tragic loss and the sacrifice of our service personnel weighs heavily on us all,” he posted on X.

“Our service men and women wear our nation’s uniform with pride and we recognise the risks they take each and every day in the defence of our nation.

“I know all Australians are embracing the Townsville community and 3rd Brigade today.”

In August 2021, two soldiers were killed in a truck rollover south of Townsville.

The department was charged in September 2023 with breaching federal work health and safety laws over the incident.

Another incident at Lismore in northern NSW hospitalised 13 soldiers during a flood response when one truck rolled and another tipped on its side in March.

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-with AAP