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Despite intensive training and stricter regulations, dangerous weapons accidents continue to occur in the Swiss army. A look at the cases shows how dangerous carelessness and rule violations can be.
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- Weapons accidents in the Swiss army, including accidental firing and negligence, are increasing.
- Specifically, there are six more reported gunshot wounds in 2023 than in the previous year.
- There are cases ranging from negligent actions under the influence of drugs to improper storage of weapons.
From careless actions to fatal mishaps – weapons accidents in the Swiss Army are not uncommon. Unintentional shots are fired again and again, despite clear regulations and intensive training. An insight into the cases shows how dangerous negligence can be when handling assault rifles and pistols, as “Blick” writes.
A 20-year-old recruit caused a dangerous incident in the Frauenfeld city barracks. After cocking the breech of his assault rifle, he attempted to solve the problem by tapping a wand and pulling the trigger. The shot was fired at 5:45 a.m. – after the recruit had consumed cannabis and cocaine the day before.
Another case occurred in the “Chüechlibunker” troop accommodation in Schwyz. A 24-year-old private pulled the trigger for fun while on a religious door. Two soldiers suffered mild tinnitus.
Mild punishments for illegal weapons activities
In a third case, a 23-year-old soldier was frightened when a shot was fired while he was trying to sling his rifle from his stomach to his back. The shot was fired because the weapon was accidentally loaded and the safety lever was not engaged. “It was only by chance that no one was injured,” it says in the verdict.
The punishments for the incidents remained relatively mild: those affected received between 10 and 26 daily fines, mostly conditional, and in some cases arrest or a fine of 400 francs. A look at the punishment orders issued by the Swiss military justice system shows that such incidents are no exception: in the month examined, three cases resulted in convictions for unintentional firing of shots.
Gun accidents are increasing
According to the Suva accident insurance company, there were two gunshot wounds while on duty in 2022, and this number rose to six in 2023, as “Blick” reports. Overall, however, the most common gun accidents are less dramatic:
80 cases of tooth damage – for example when guns hit teeth when getting in or out of vehicles. 41 cases of hearing damage caused by gunshots without hearing protection.
The Swiss army emphasizes that the safe handling of weapons has the highest priority. “The training in basic training includes weekly training,” says army spokesman Mathias Volken. Regulations such as the principle of always considering a weapon as loaded are intended to prevent accidents. A poster campaign will also help raise awareness.
Forgotten and incorrectly stored weapons
In addition to shooting accidents, incorrectly stored or forgotten weapons also regularly cause trouble. In one case, an assault rifle was discovered on a platoon leader, earning the soldier responsible a fine.
Particularly strange: A Geneva doctor hid his weapon in an advertising kit for expectant mothers in his practice. When an employee accidentally disposed of the kit, the weapon disappeared – and the doctor had to answer to the military justice system.
