The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) announced that three individuals, including a training supervisor, have been sentenced to prison following the deaths of 18 combat medic trainees who were swept away by sudden flood waters during a training exercise.

The incident occurred on the night of 11 September, when a total of 102 male and female trainees were participating in a Frontline Combat Medic Training Exercise. Intense mountain creek waters, exacerbated by Cyclone Yagi, swept 18 trainees to their deaths.

In the wake of the tragedy, the KNDF convened a central military tribunal to investigate and adjudicate the matter.

According to the KNDF statement, the head of training and the Physical Training (PT) instructor were sentenced to one year and three months of hard labour and imprisonment under Sections 17 and 27 of the KNDF Military Act.

Additionally, a training assistant received a sentence of three months of hard labour and imprisonment under Section 27.

The tribunal’s decision was based on the findings of an investigation team, along with testimonies from the accused and witnesses.

KNDF’s 1 October report on the incident revealed that the training supervisor made the decision to conduct the “Happy Mission” exercise on 11 September, despite the dangerous weather conditions brought on by Cyclone Yagi.

The head of training had access to weather information via the internet and was aware of the cyclone’s impact at the time.

Furthermore, two instructors had crossed the creek earlier that afternoon and were aware of the hazardous conditions.

The report also indicated that the mission was conducted without proper support equipment, emergency medical care, or rescue personnel. Adding to the negligence, the training supervisor and the two instructors had consumed alcohol before the exercise. All three admitted responsibility for the incident.

Mizzima reached out to a KNDF official for comment on the tribunal’s decision, but no response was received at the time of reporting.