Probe: Tank accident due to speeding

Staff Sergeant Ran Handifar, 22, of Tel Aviv, was killed and three wounded Monday when their tank overturned during a routine training exercise near the Dead Sea; investigation’s initial findings show the tank traveled at excessive speeds and a sharp left turn of the steering wheel caused it to flip over
Hanan Greenberg

Monday’s tank accident, in which one IDF soldier was killed, was caused due to excessive speeding and a sharp turn of the steering wheel to the left, a probe into the accident found.

Staff Sergeant Ran Handifar, 22, of Tel Aviv, was killed and three wounded Monday when their tank overturned during a routine training exercise near the Dead Sea.

During the training exercise, tank commander Handifar was critically wounded, and died as first aid was being administered at the scene.

The three soldiers wounded in the accident were evacuated by helicopter to hospitals in Jerusalem. One was listed in moderate condition; the others suffered light wounds

The vehicle was a Merkava Siman 4 type tank, one of the IDF's latest models. It was traveling along its appointed path, and taking part in routine shooting exercise.

A tank is permitted to travel at speeds of 40-45 kph (25-28 mph). The investigation’s initial findings show the tank traveled at excessive speeds and a sharp left turn of the steering wheel caused it to flip over.

IDF sources said that the tank’s advanced equipment will offer a clear indication of what caused the accident.

Investigators are also looking into the possibility that some of the Battalion's tank crews engaged in speeding “games,” but add that so far the evidence does not lead to the conclusion that the accident is related to this.