AN ARMY officer critically injured during a night training incident remains in an induced coma and is expected to have further surgery over the weekend.
Lieut Kenneth Sheehan (29), from Cork city, underwent surgery at Cork University Hospital on Thursday morning after suffering severe burns to his face, chest and right arm in the exercise on Wednesday night. His condition is described as critical but stable.
Lieut Sheehan was working as a safety umpire during a routine training operation at Kilworth Army firing range in north Cork when he suffered severe injuries as a result of a “back blast” from a short-range anti-armour weapon.
The cylindrical missile routinely emitted this blast of energy and heat once fired, an Army spokesman said.
A member of the Defence Forces since 2002, Lieut Sheehan is based at Collins Barracks, Cork. He is engaged to be married.
Members of his family have been at his bedside since he was admitted to hospital. The Defence Forces have begun an investigation into the incident.