UK soldier dies in Iraq accident

Two other soldiers involved in the incident sustained minor injuries, according to the MoD.

The soldier, from the Queen's Royal Lancers, died in an accident involving a tracked reconnaissance vehicle.

The accident took place in Maysan Province, in southern Iraq. The death means a total of 128 UK troops have been killed during operations in Iraq.

Major Charlie Burbridge, a spokesman for the multinational forces in Southern Iraq, gave details of the accident.

He said: "A light-armoured vehicle was involved in a patrol. The vehicle left the road, we're not sure why, but having left the road it crashed.

Next of kin

"The vehicle's commander sustained injuries which resulted in his death."

The crash is said to have happened in the early hours, shortly after dawn, in a rural area where conditions were cold and in places muddy.

The soldier was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Maj Burbridge.

The other two members of the three-man crew - the driver and a soldier in the turret - have been treated at a field hospital in Basra for minor injuries.

An MoD spokesman said the dead soldier's next of kin have been informed.

They have "requested a grace period of 24 hours before the name of the soldier is released", he said.

'Providing support'

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I was saddened to hear about the road traffic accident in which one of our soldiers lost their life.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends, and we will be providing them with all the support we can at this difficult time."

The Queen's Royal Lancers are two months into a six-month tour of Iraq.

Of the British soldiers killed in Iraq, 96 died in action.

The remainder of the deaths were caused by accidents, natural causes or illness, remain unexplained, or are still under investigation.

In December, Mr Browne told MPs British forces will not "cut and run" from Iraq by following a "prescriptive timetable" for withdrawal.

Mr Browne said the security strategy was "clear and hasn't changed".