Crocodile attack on soldiers: Australia's Defense Department charged with failing to train workers

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – Australia's Defense Department was charged on Friday with failing to train workers, provide and maintain a safe work environment after a crocodile attack on two soldiers while they were fishing.

The crocodile attack incident occurred on Aug. 6, 2021, in the Cape York Peninsula community of Portland Road.

The federal workers’ compensation body and safety regulator Comcare said the department had “breached federal work health and safety laws.”

“It is alleged Defense (department) failed to train workers and to provide and maintain a safe system of work,” Comcare said in a statement.

The department faces a maximum fine of AU$1.5 million (approximately $978,540).

Two soldiers went fishing and were attacked by a 2.5-meter (8.2-foot) salt crocodile in Queensland in 2021. One of the soldiers suffered serious upper body injuries after being bitten. The other one’s arm was slashed and ripped.