A man in his late 20s died on October 29, 2026, after an accident during a field exercise at the Frigård shooting range in Stjørdal Municipality, Trøndelag. Emergency services received an alert from the 113 dispatch center at 9:53 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 10:09 p.m., where responders initiated life-saving first aid before confirming his death.
Fatal Vehicle Incident Under Investigation at Frigård Shooting Range
The victim served in the Air Force, attached to the Base Defense Tactical School at Værnes. The man was an Air Force officer. A group from the school department of the Air Force at Værnes was holding an exercise in the area. According to police statements, the vehicle involved was a military Land Cruiser ambulance parked on flat ground. Police investigators believe the man may have started the vehicle from the outside, causing it to move and trap him underneath. Operations manager Karl Småland told reporters that no other individuals were involved in the accident.
Investigators from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s accident investigation unit and forensic technicians from the police examined the scene through the night. Operations manager Svein Erik Wagnild confirmed that field investigations concluded on Friday morning following witness interviews. Police prosecutor Jannicke Evjen Olsen stated that no one currently holds suspect status, while the vehicle remains impounded for technical examination. The Accident Investigation Board of Norway has been notified of the incident, and the deceased is scheduled to undergo an autopsy.
Air Force Halts Exercise and Mobilizes Support Teams
The Air Force immediately suspended the ongoing training exercise and recalled all participating personnel to base following the fatality. Petter Bjørgo, head of the Air Force Schools Center, expressed deep sorrow over the loss in an official statement, noting that leadership arrived on site to provide debriefings and psychological support for affected colleagues.
Eivind Byre, head of communications for the Air Force, told VG that grief counselors and military chaplains remain available to support the unit. We have lost a colleague, and we are in grief,
Byre stated. The Armed Forces lowered flags to half-mast to honor the fallen, whose next of kin have been notified. Byre also points out that safety has the highest priority, and that they will learn from the investigations.
The Accident Investigation Board of Norway deployed four inspectors to the shooting range on Friday morning to examine site safety factors and operational procedures. Director Ingvild Ytrehus told Adresseavisen, as reported by VG, that investigators will examine the vehicle, review site evidence, and interview witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events. While the safety board investigates systemic causes to prevent future incidents, local police retain responsibility for the parallel criminal investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trøndelag Military Exercise Fatality
Which military branch and unit were conducting the exercise?
The training involved personnel from the Air Force’s Base Defense Tactical School stationed at Værnes, according to communications chief Eivind Byre as reported by VG.
What type of vehicle was involved in the accident?
Police and military officials identified the vehicle as a military Land Cruiser ambulance parked at the Frigård shooting range in Stjørdal Municipality.
Which external agencies are investigating the incident?
The Trøndelag Police District leads the criminal investigation, supported by forensic technicians and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s accident group, alongside an independent safety probe by the Accident Investigation Board of Norway.
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