A HAMPSHIRE soldier who suffered horrific injuries in an “avoidable” explosion that killed two of his colleagues has called for lessons to be learned.

Warrant Officer Stuart Lawson lost an ear and two fingers when a Challenger 2 tank blew up during a training exercise in Wales 13 months ago.

Two corporals, Matthew Hatfield, 27, and Darren Neilson, 31, were both badly wounded and died in hospital the next day.

An inquest heard that the blast occurred because a key component – an air-tight seal designed to prevent explosive gases escaping into the crew turret – had been removed and was missing when the tank opened fire.

WO Lawson, 39, of Marchwood, is considering civil action against the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking after the inquest, which finished this week, he said: “I’ve tried to come to terms with the incident and how life will never be the same again.

“However, in some ways I’m fortunate. I cannot begin to think of the pain and suffering Darren’s and Matthew’s families are going through.

“The inquest has been an incredibly difficult and traumatic time but the (inquest) verdict has gone some way to providing the answers as to why the explosion happened and how it could have been avoided.

“I hope safety measures are improved so that an incident like this doesn’t happen again.”

WO Lawson and the tank driver, Trooper Michael Warren, were both injured in the blast on June 14 last year.

They instructed specialist military injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate the incident and support them through the inquest.

Andrew Buckham, based at Irwin Mitchell’s Southampton office, said: “The incident has had a profound effect on them, not only through the injuries they suffered but also through the devastating loss of two colleagues.

“Our servicemen and women know when they sign up that compared to most jobs theirs is one with increased danger, but we have seen first-hand that many serious accidents in training could be prevented.

“It is vital that adequate precautions and safety measures are in place to prevent tragedy.

“Both Stuart and Michael want the Ministry of Defence to learn lessons from this avoidable incident so other families don’t have to suffer the heartbreak that Matthew’s and Darren’s families have following their deaths.”

Following the inquest Colonel Jim Taylor said the army had already overhauled training but would look at “what further changes need to be made”.

He added: “We are sincerely sorry for what has happened and we will do everything we can to ensure this never happens again.”

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