PM praises defence heroes injured after ADF trucks crash in Lismore
The vehicles were each carrying 16 people when they crashed separately about 9km southwest of Lismore.
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
More than a dozen defence personnel were injured after two ADF trucks responding to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred crashed in Northern NSW.
It's understood the trucks were each carrying 16 personnel on Tregeagle Road in Tregeagle, about 9km southwest of Lismore, just after 5pm when one lost control and rolled down an embankment.
The troop carrier behind then swerved to avoid the vehicle before crashing on its side.
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Medics treated 13 soldiers at the scene, with at least six suffering serious injuries, but none facing life-threatening injuries.
Many of the soldiers are men in their 20s, with injuries including broken bones, loss of consciousness and contusions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning said the families of all personnel have been notified.
"Everyone at the scene did their best to look after their mates," he told reporters today.
"For the extraordinary members of the defence force there are no easy days.
"These men and women are heroes were on their way to help people in need when some of their own families were bearing the brunt of Alfred."
Admiral Jonathan Earley said the ADF is assisting NSW Police to determine the cause of this incident.
"Defence is now focused on supporting those involved and the necessary support services has been made available to them," he said.
"Defence is very much grateful and we want to extend our gratitude to NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, NSW SES and NSW Fire and Rescue who all assisted in getting our soldiers out of those vehicles, treated and transported to hospital as quickly as they could."
Incredible images captured by Sydney Morning Herald photographer Nick Moir show soldiers climbing up out of one truck turned onto its side.
"There were people trapped down inside," Moir told Weekend Today.
"Looking at that crash scene, it is truly a remarkable escape for those personnel involved."
Multiple emergency services were called to the scene.
The Australian Defence Force said the vehicles were providing assistance to communities affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred at the time of the crash.
A number of ADF personnel have been injured, the ADF confirmed in a statement.
"The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence's focus is on supporting those involved.
"Due to the developing nature of the incident, no further information will be available at this time, however Defence will provide further updates when possible."
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