Six soldiers were rushed to hospital after their tanks collided during NATO manoeuvres in Germany because of heavy fog.

Military officials say two Marder tanks collided in Bad Salzungen, Thuringia State, because of “poor visibility” on 27th November.

All 12 crew members were hurt in the smash but six were so seriously injured they needed hospital treatment, reports local media.

The 30-ton tanks, with a top speed of 50 mph, were part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence group which patrols the West’s border with Russia.

Local media says the injured are members of the German Army’s Armoured Infantryman Bataillon 391.

The troop has been taking part in combat drills and shooting practice at a military training area at Werratal Barracks.

German Bundeswehr Tank Brigade 37 spokesman Captain Renzo di Leo told local media on 29th November: “The collision occurred in the bottom of a valley due to poor visibility.”

Captain di Leo said on 29th November all 12 soldiers on the tanks were injured.

He added: “Six of them received stationary treatment last night.”

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO members agreed to send more troops to Northern, Central and Eastern Europe to protect the security of member states on its eastern flank.

The German army is the Leading State of the 3,700 troops stationed in Lithuania while the UK oversees the multi-nation NATO units currently deployed in Estonia.

The tank crash is under investigation.