A civilian weapons-testing expert was accidentally shot in the neck at an army firing range in west Wales, leading to a fine of over £800,000 for the company responsible. The incident occurred on March 25, 2021, at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) training range in Pendine, Carmarthenshire, operated by the multinational defence technology company QinetiQ. The injured man was swiftly attended to by troops on site before being airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment. While his current condition remains undisclosed, it is known that he continues to work for QinetiQ, managing the Pendine MoD range.
The Pendine firing range, located in the Llanmiloe area to the east of Pendine, covers 20.5 sq km of land used for weapons testing. Following the incident, QinetiQ stated that a full investigation is underway, in cooperation with emergency services. The Hampshire-based company appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to ensure employee safety. QinetiQ emphasised its full cooperation with the Health and Safety Executive, conducting internal probes into the incident and implementing enhanced risk and hazard controls.
QinetiQ was fined £800,000 and instructed to cover costs and a victim surcharge, totalling over £808,000. A company spokesperson expressed deep regret over the incident’s impact on the injured worker and his family, affirming ongoing support for them. The firm acknowledged responsibility and reiterated its commitment to prioritising personnel safety, health, and well-being. QinetiQ detailed the adoption of improved safety measures post-incident, aiming to prevent such occurrences in the future. The company’s proactive response and dedication to employee welfare were underscored in their post-hearing statement.
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