Soldier stable after mortar explosion

UPDATE

A soldier who suffered serious head, face and hand injuries when a mortar shell exploded during an exercise near Waiouru last night was in a stable condition in hospital today.

An army spokeswoman told NZPA the 26-year-old soldier from Linton Army Camp was in a "non-life threatening" situation at Palmerston North Hospital.

It is understood he was showered in shrapnel in the explosion.

However, further details of the incident -- in which two other soldiers were also hurt -- would not be released until later today, the spokeswoman said.

The three soldiers were injured during a weapons demonstration at the army ground at 5pm.

They were treated at Waiouru Hospital by army medics and St John Ambulance officers.

The 26-year-old soldier was flown to Palmerston North Hospital by rescue helicopter while the other two were taken there by ambulance.

An investigation was underway and Army chiefs were meeting this morning to look at the information available, the spokeswoman said.

- NZPA