Two trainee army officers are fighting for their lives in Canberra Hospital after a car crash claimed the life of their mate, young Queenslander Ben Taylor, early yesterday morning.
The single-vehicle smash, on Constitution Avenue, Campbell, at 2.46am, killed the 18-year-old, a student at the nearby Australian Defence Force Academy, and injured the four other cadets who were in the Lexus coupe.
Two of the trainees remain in a critical condition in hospital, another is said to be stable and the fifth man has been discharged after treatment for minor injuries.
The commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy, Brigadier Wayne Goodman, said Officer Cadet Taylor was a ''wonderful young man''.
''I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ben's family, colleagues and friends,'' Brigadier Goodman said.
''The midshipmen, officer cadets and staff at the academy are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a wonderful young man.''
Brigadier Goodman said that the ADFA community remained worried about the two men who were still in hospital.
''We remain concerned for two officer cadets who are in a critical condition in Canberra Hospital, and our thoughts are with their families,'' he said.
''Of the other cadets involved in the collision, one has now been discharged from hospital and is receiving professional support at ADFA, and the other remains in a stable condition.''
Police believe that the car, heading south-east on Constitution Avenue, may have been speeding when the driver lost control and hit a concrete barrier near Reg Saunders Way.
The road was closed for five hours while police examined the scene.
They want anyone who saw a dark blue Lexus coupe driving in Civic or Campbell early yesterday morning to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
The ACT road toll for 2008 now stands at six.