Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Family speaks of sergeant killed in Waiouru explosion

Updated at 8:09 am on 21 November 2009

The family of the flight sergeant killed in an explosion at Waiouru military camp say he will be remembered as a well-respected man who was passionate about his career and work in the Air Force.

Andrew Forster, 46, was marking an artillery shell for future disposal when it exploded, killing him instantly, on Thursday. Another sergeant escaped with minor injuries.

At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Mr Forster's brother-in-law Glen Langvad spoke of a devoted father of three, who had just begun work with the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Squadron at Trentham.

It had been two weeks since he'd seen his wife and children, who are described as traumatised.

Mr Langvad says while Mr Forster always knew the work he was doing could be dangerous, he was committed to protecting his mates while on deployment.

He said his brother-in-law was an all-round good Kiwi bloke who loved working on the farm.

His military funeral is to be held at Ohakea air base on Tuesday afternoon.

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