A training exercise conducted by the South African Defences Forces on the outskirts of Bloemfontein ended in tragedy today. The South African department of defence said that an accident with an anti aircraft gun left nine soldiers dead and fifteen more injured.

“Twenty four soldiers were participating in a shooting exercise when the accident occurred," said Brigadier General Kwena Mangope, director of communications at the defence ministry. The General said the injured had been taken to various hospitals around Bloemfontein.

He also confirmed the area had been sealed off and an independent investigation was being carried out by the South African Police Service.

The area around Bloemfontein is home to several units of South Africa's Defence Forces. The largest of which is the Tempe base home to the 44 th Parachute Regiment, an armoured car regiment, an infantry battalion and the School of Armour.