A SOLDIER died today and another was seriously injured when their army truck careered down an embankment next to the A14.The fatal crash happened on the Bury St Edmunds-bound carriageway just before the turn off to Claydon.

A SOLDIER died today and another was seriously injured when their army truck careered down an embankment next to the A14.

The fatal crash happened on the Bury St Edmunds-bound carriageway just before the turn off to Claydon.

Emergency services were alerted to the tragedy at 12.15pm.

Paramedics, police, doctors and firefighters battled in vein to cut the deceased soldier and his colleague from the wreckage.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance was also called to the scene as the fight went on to free the trapped men from their army manouevres truck.

Around 15 firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to slice the roof of the vehicle in order to get to the victims.

Sergeant Colin Teager, of Suffolk Police traffic unit said: "I can confirm that the passenger of the army truck has been pronounced dead at the scene.

"The male driver has been cut free from the truck and has been taken to Ipswich Hospital by ambulance with serious injuries."

Sgt Teager added that while investigation continued the police would try to keep the outside lane of the carriageway open for traffic.

The truck is thought to have come off the road onto the grass verge, down an embankment and through a wooden fence before landing on its side.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to telephone Suffolk Police on 01473 613500,