The Defence Accident Investigation Branch has launched a full probe after a 25-year-old Army officer was fatally shot during a live-fire night exercise in Northumberland.
Second Fatal Shooting at Otterburn in a Decade
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery died on Sunday 25 January at the infamous Otterburn Training Area. This marks the second deadly shooting incident at the site in just ten years.
The tragedy struck around 8pm as troops trained alongside Scots Guards using SA80 assault rifles and night vision goggles. Capt Muldowney was reportedly hit in the back during the drill involving pop-up targets.
Emergency Aid Fails at Remote Location
Fellow soldiers gave immediate medical assistance, but Capt Muldowney died before paramedics could arrive. All personnel were equipped with Virtus body armour and Kevlar helmets, but the fatal shot struck an unarmoured spot.
Major Martin Simms called him “the perfect Officer” thanks to his professionalism and charm.
[block_2]
Captain Helen Brackenbury described him as “a truly kind person, highly competent and endearingly joyful.”
History of Deadly Mistakes at Otterburn
This accident mirrors a 2016 fatal shooting involving Private Conor McPherson of the Black Watch regiment during a similar night exercise. Investigations then found soldiers mistakenly targeted him in the dark due to poor planning and supervision.
In 2024, the Health and Safety Executive criticised the Ministry of Defence over preventable deaths at military ranges.
[block_4]
The Defence Accident Investigation Branch’s current inquiry will scrutinise every factor behind Sunday’s tragedy as the military community mourns a promising young officer lost too soon.
