Documents - Final Report
Proximate Cause
What caused the injuries and deaths?
All injuries and deaths that occurred at the Tarnak Farm Multi-Purpose Range on 17
April 2002 have been attributed to the blast and shrapnel effects created by the explosion
of a
500-lb GBU-12 LGB, which impacted near the firing position of 3 Section, 3 Platoon,
“A” Company at 21:26:01Z.
| Primary Evidence |
Reference |
Details |
|
|
|
Significant Incident Report 004
Capt B. Hynes, Comd LO JTFSWA |
Vol 8, Exhibit 4 |
Initial significant incident report passed via TITAN
to NDCC, Comd OP APOLLO. |
Statement of Maintenance
Capt USAF, CIB F-16 Advisor |
Vol 13, Tab 57 |
Maintenance review package detailing the state of
the F-16 aircraft involved (Tail # 87-0324) upon inspection following mission. |
The GBU-12 LGB is designed primarily to produce a blast/fragmentation
effect rather than an evenly distributed pattern of small pieces of
shrapnel. As a result of this, both the
size and the distribution pattern of the shrapnel produced can be unpredictable.
For each person killed or injured in this incident, the extent of injury was
determined by numerous variables including, but not limited to: proximity to
the explosion; the individual’s location
within Wadi East or surrounding area; whether the individual was standing,
kneeling or prone; the direction the individual was facing; and the degree of
physical protection (both equipment and terrain) from shrapnel and concussive
effects.
In general, those members who were in closest proximity to the point of
impact received the gravest of injuries; certainly, had the bomb impacted in
even a slightly different location, many more casualties might have been
incurred.
The following table describes the effects of the blast on the personnel
involved, in approximate order of severity:
| Primary Evidence |
Reference |
Details |
|
|
|
Statement of Events -
17 Apr 02
Capt J. Jasper |
Vol 8, Exhibit 6 |
Describes casualty sitreps - of note, Pri “4” used
consistently to describe fatality. |
Statement of Events
Sgt W. Wilson (Med A) |
Vol 8, Exhibit 15 |
Describes personal and medical team activities in
the immediate aftermath of the blast. |
Examination Reports -
19 Apr 02
US DMART Team |
Vol 8, Exhibit 24 |
Details medico-legal examination process and
findings, including death certificates. |
NIS Investigative Synopsis
Capt J. MacEachern |
Vol 9, Exhibit 36 |
Summarizes particulars of casualty reporting and
identity determination process. |
Coroner’s Report, cases 2002 - 14, 15,16,17A,
Chief
Coroner Ontario |
Vol 13, Tab 50 |
Reports post-mortem examination results for deceased
members. |
Testimony - 01 May 02
WO W.A. Bolen |
Vol 3, Page 439 |
Details immediate post-impact actions, including
casualty assessment. |
Testimony - 01 May 02
MCpl S. Clark |
Vol 3, Page 504 |
Describes effects of the explosion. |
Testimony - 01 May 02
Maj D. Vouriot
(3 PPCLI MO) |
Vol 3, Page 452 |
Describes participation in medical treatment. |
