Army death may lead to review of driver skills

Private Kirifi Mila joined the New Zealand Army in 2006. Photo / NZDF

The death of a soldier in mountainous Afghan terrain is at least the ninth time in 12 years a New Zealand soldier has been killed in a vehicle accident.

In contrast, only two New Zealand soldiers have died in combat since the death of Lieutenant John Ramsey Winton in Vietnam in 1971.

Private Kirifi Mila died yesterday after the Humvee he was travelling in plunged 30m down a cliff in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan.

The army is likely to look into the adequacy of driver training as it investigates the death of Private Mila, who was due to come home in April.

The 27-year-old, also known as Cliff, was described as a colourful character who would be sorely missed by his comrades.

"He wasn't just a friend to a lot of us. He was also a brother we could lean on ... and a tower of strength," a friend, Sacha Toby, told One News.

Politicians, including visiting Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, gave their condolences.

"We know what it's like to grieve the loss of brave men in Afghanistan, and we will grieve this loss as one of our own," Ms Gillard said.

Australia has lost 22 soldiers in Afghanistan.

The crash happened about noon on Tuesday (9pm Tuesday, NZT), when the Humvee left the road and disappeared over the cliff, near Ferozak village, 14km east of the forward-patrol base Romero, Bamiyan Province.

It was part of a four-vehicle humanitarian patrol whose mission was to engage with locals and be more visible.

Private Mila was the gunner manning the turret on top of the Humvee.

A sergeant was left with broken ribs and is in a stable condition, and a private suffered head injuries including a fractured skull and damaged eye socket. He was operated on and was in a serious condition late yesterday.

Another private was treated for shock.

They will be evacuated to a Nato hospital in Germany, and then return to New Zealand.

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Rhys Jones, said no insurgent activity was involved.

A full investigation will take place, but General Jones stressed the army took driver training seriously.

He said the terrain was isolated and mountainous, and the roads narrow and treacherous.

Prime Minister John Key said it was a "tragic accident".

"My heart goes out to the family of Private Mila. Our Defence Force in Afghanistan is operating in a dangerous and difficult environment in order to help the Afghan people. To have one of our own die in a road crash is heart-breaking."

Private Mila is the second soldier in the NZ army to die in Afghanistan. Four other New Zealanders, fighting with allied forces, have also died there.

Private Mila was born in Samoa and joined the army in 2006. He was deployed to Afghanistan last year as part of an infantry regiment from Burnham Military Camp.

He has a brother who is also serving in the Army.

SOLDIERS PAY A TRAGIC PRICE

NZ Army combat deaths since 1990

* 24 July 2000: Private Leonard Manning, in East Timor.

* 4 August 2010: Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, in Afghanistan.

Note: Other non-combat deaths have occurred involving personnel deployed overseas

NZ Army deaths from vehicle accidents since 1990

* 30 November 1999: Warrant Officer Class Two Tony Walser, vehicle accident, East Timor.

* 25 April 2000: Staff Sergeant William White, vehicle accident, East Timor.

* 11 August 2004: Private Dougherty and Private Kairua, Unimog accident, Banks Peninsula.

* 23 February 2005: Private Goodwin, Private Ohlen and Private Partington, Unimog accident, Kawarau Gorge.

* 16 August 2006: Private Sims, Unimog accident, Weld Pass, Marlborough.

* 15 February 2011: Private Kirifi Mila, Humvee accident, Afghanistan.

Note: The Army says this is not complete information.