PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – A mysterious explosion at an army base in the Chbar Mon district of Kompong Speu province has left several buildings badly damaged, with soldiers receiving treatment in a hospital. The cause of the blast remains unclear, prompting guards to keep the media away from the site, as reported by ABC News.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep shock upon learning about the incident through a Facebook post on Saturday. According to local army officer Col. Youeng Sokhon, the explosion resulted in the destruction of four buildings, including three for storage and one work facility, along with damage to several military vehicles. Additionally, 25 villagers’ homes suffered damage in the aftermath.
Witnesses like Sophal described the event as hearing a sharp sound followed by smoke rising from the direction of the base, indicating an explosion at the arms depot. The military promptly closed off access to the base, leading to panic among villagers seeking safety. The village resident recounted how he quickly sought shelter with his family before evacuating to a relative’s home farther away from the base.
The region where the explosion occurred had been experiencing high temperatures, reaching 39 C (102 F) on the day of the blast, due to an extended heatwave. While extreme heat alone typically does not trigger ammunition detonation, it can compromise the stability of explosives over time, potentially leading to accidental detonations.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, residents in the area remain on edge, with concerns about the safety of the surrounding community in light of the damage sustained at the military base. Authorities are working to assess the extent of the destruction and ensure the well-being of those affected by the incident.