An Israeli Merkava tank. Photo: Flash90.

In a bizarre accident earlier this week, an IDF tank crew taking part in a training exercises collectively fell asleep, causing the tank to go out of control and travel over 600 meters, crossing a major highway.

According to Hebrew news site Mako, the incident took place during a training course for tank commanders at the Armored Corps School.

The platoon commander apparently left the Merkava 4 tank and ordered the crew to stay in place. The tank was meant to be secured by a special braking mechanism, which the commander ordered to be activated. When the commander returned, however, he discovered that tank and crew had disappeared.

The tank was discovered 600 meters away across busy Highway 40. The crew had apparently fallen asleep and the vehicle started moving under its own power.

Mako quoted a statement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Office saying, “During training held as part of a tank commanders’ course in the south of the country, a tank descended a few hundred meters and crossed the highway. There was no damage or injuries. This is a rare safety occurrence that will be investigated and lessons leaned in order to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.”