PTA soldier hurt when machine gun malfunctions

A U.S. Army soldier was injured Sunday when a machine gun malfunctioned at Pohakuloa Training Area.

The soldier, who received injuries to his groin, was flown to Hilo Medical Center where he received light surgery before being transferred to Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu, said PTA Commander Lt. Col. Eric Shwedo.

Shwedo said the soldier received a 1-inch cut when a piece of the .50-caliber machine gun flew off and hit him. He also received “pepper marks” from gunpowder. The soldier will not face long-term injuries.

Shwedo said the Army is investigating the incident.