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ARMY SAFETY FEARS

Second British soldier collapsed on gruelling Brecon Beacons march hours after ‘heat death’ of Corporal Josh Hoole

Serviceman rushed to hospital suffering from suspected heart-related injuries

A SECOND British soldier collapsed during a tough Brecon Beacons march on the hottest day of the year.

The serviceman was rushed to hospital suspected to be suffering from heat-related injuries on Tuesday, The Sun has discovered.

 Afghan veteran Cpl Josh Hoole died on punishing Welsh hills
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Afghan veteran Cpl Josh Hoole died on punishing Welsh hillsCredit: MARK STGEORGE

Hours earlier, Afghan veteran Cpl Josh Hoole, 26, fell ill and died after a training exercise on the same punishing Welsh hills.

The unnamed soldier is now recovering after his dangerous condition was spotted by commanders just in time.

 Soldiers take part on tough Brecon Beacons march on hottest day of the year
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Soldiers take part on tough Brecon Beacons march on hottest day of the yearCredit: SWNS - Bristol
 Unnamed soldier is now recovering after his dangerous condition was spotted by commanders
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Unnamed soldier is now recovering after his dangerous condition was spotted by commandersCredit: SWNS - Bristol

The alarming revelation on top of Cpl Hoole’s tragic death will deepen concerns about the Army’s safety standards.

Military sources tonight said the recovering soldier had an underlying health condition and it is not yet known if the heat caused his collapse or contributed to it.

Fury over Cpl Hoole’s death reached the House of Commons today.

MPs demanded the government enforce their fresh recommendations to improve accountability during military training as soon as possible.

The Commons Defence Committee report was only published weeks ago after the tragic deaths of three SAS hopefuls also in the Brecon Beacons on one of 2013’s hottest days.

 MP Jim Shannon raised concern over soldiers safety in the Commons
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MP Jim Shannon raised concern over soldiers safety in the CommonsCredit: PA:Press Association

One of its members, Jim Shannon demanded of Commons Leader David Lidington: “The death of the young soldier Joshua Hoole has raised the issue of welfare for soldiers again.

“Will you agree to a ministerial statement on this matter to bring the time scale forward for implementation by the MoD?”

 Tributes have been paid to high-flying NCO Corporal Josh Hoole after his tragic death
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Tributes have been paid to high-flying NCO Corporal Josh Hoole after his tragic deathCredit: Wales News Service

Paying tribute to the high flying NCO, Cabinet minister Mr Lidington said: “The sympathies of everybody in the House are with that young man’s family, friends and colleagues at what must be a difficult time for them”.

An MoD spokeswoman said: “We seek to make all training as safe as reasonably possible while ensuring that soldiers are ready for the challenges of protecting the United Kingdom.

“Where practicable all recommendations made in recent inquests have been implemented.”

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