DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 014/10
Thursday, 21 January 2010
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN EAST TIMOR
A motor vehicle accident occurred on 18 December 2009 involving an Australian
Defence Force (ADF) vehicle, operating as part of the International Stabilisation
Force (ISF), and a female East Timorese pedestrian. The woman later died in
hospital.
Immediate first aid had been administered by ADF personnel at the accident scene,
prior to the woman being transported by an East Timorese ambulance to the Dili
Hospital for further medical care. The ISF Medical Officer then visited Dili Hospital
that afternoon where medical staff confirmed she had sustained a broken leg and
lacerations.
During a routine visit to Dili Hospital on 1 January 2010, the ISF Medical Officer
enquired into the woman’s health and was advised that she had died on the evening of
admission.
The ISF immediately contacted local police to offer assistance in the investigation and
were informed the matter was not under investigation. Subsequent to this inquiry
local police have commenced a routine investigation which is ongoing. The ISF is
also conducting an internal investigation.
The ISF operates at the invitation of the Government of East Timor, and in support of
the United Nations, to maintain stability and provide a secure environment for the
ongoing development of East Timor.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
