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One of the few times I'll post, but I've had some first hand experience with this type of situation, and I've got the blessing from NDD. Background, spent 8 months in Iraq (Fallujah), 11B, line platoon. My platoon alone hit 5 IEDs, the whole Bn is probably around 50.
First IED, went off between two of our Humvees (mine and the one behind me), daisy chained 155s, only one detonated. Lots of shrapnel, but nothing hit anyone, no other injuries (concussions, etc.).
Second IED, went off right beside a Delta Co. truck, no injuries, but plenty shaken up.
Third IED, little further off (25-50m), two mild lacerations (forehead and below eye) and I believe one mild burn where a piece of shrapnel slid between a gunner's IBA and body (it happened, just can't remember which one it was).
Fifth IED, probably 5m or less away from a truck, lots of debris in the air (LOTS), but no contact injuries. Two guys were knocked around pretty good, one was close to unconcious for a few minutes and was still shaken when we got back.
The big one, IED number 4. 2 155s surrounded by 3 55gal fuel drums. Instant non-hearing status for me, and a lot of others, hearing took a few days to come back fully. Lots of shrapnel, 6 WIA, 1 KIA that day. Lots of lower extremity shrapnel wounds, 2 in my squad got peppered on the lower legs (mainly calves) (one still has a piece behind his patella, right next to a major artery), another had a piece go through the left thigh and embedded into his right (just missing cock and balls). 3 guys were extremely close to the IED, first in line was KIA, punctured IBA and chest, severe burns, second had mild burns and a compound fracture of the foot, third had a cut on his inner thigh. Two other guys had small shrapnel embedded in the rear and tricep, didn't even notice till we got back.
That should give you some idea that injuries vary from one IED to another and can run the full spectrum of what is possible. I know of one instance where the only injury was a guy that had his nose cut off (they fixed that). Another one where an IED went off right beside the passenger door (in fact much like your scenario), and because they had taken the armor doors off, a piece of shrapnel cut his throat. Believe he is doing fine now. Fractures occured on that one as well.
What it boils down to on IEDs is that what happens all depends on a few things: 1) how the IED is emplaced and what it consists of; 2) how close the vehicle is to it (which can vary depending on speed, seperation, when it was triggered, etc.); and 3) unfortunately, luck.
Hope that's fine with you NDD, if you want me to change anything, let me know.
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