No need for inquest into exploding shell death

Andrew Forster died while driving a stake into the ground to mark the location of an unexploded artillery shell, which then exploded. Photo / supplied

The death of a military officer killed when an unexploded shell he was marking with a stake blew up does not need an inquest, a coroner has ruled.

Coroner Tim Scott yesterday announced that an inquiry into the death of flight sergeant Andrew Bruce Forster at Waiouru Army Camp in 2009 would not be undertaken because he was satisfied with the investigation made by the army's Court of Inquiry.

Mr Forster, died aged 46 on November 19 2009 at the Waiouru Military Training Area Zone.

He died while driving a stake into the ground to mark the location of an unexploded artillery shell, which then exploded without warning.

The exact reason the shell exploded has not been determined.

Mr Scott said he had considered the circumstances of Mr Forster's death carefully and did not consider that further inquiry would achieve a different outcome, or more certainty as to the exact reason for the explosion.

He said neither the military or Mr Forster's family expressed any desire for him to investigate further.