PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – A tragic accident at an army base in southwestern Cambodia over the weekend resulted in the death of 20 soldiers, according to a senior military official. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon in Kampong Speu province, was believed to have been caused by mishandling of ammunition by the troops on site.
Army spokesperson, Major General Mao Phalla, explained that the soldiers were in the process of transferring ammunition from trucks to a storage facility when the explosion occurred, instantly killing them. The blast not only claimed the lives of the soldiers but also destroyed military vehicles and several buildings at the base, as well as causing damage to homes in a nearby village.
Following the tragedy, Cambodia held a mass funeral on Sunday to honor the fallen soldiers. Efforts are now underway to investigate the precise chain of events that led to the explosion. However, with all those involved in the unloading process having perished in the blast, determining the exact cause may prove challenging.
The site of the explosion has been cordoned off, and deminers from the Cambodian Mines Action Center have been deployed to clear the area of any unexploded ordnance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the improper storage and handling of munitions, a problem that has been highlighted by various reports over the years.
In a similar vein, a 2014 report by the Small Arms Survey emphasized the global issue of poorly stored or mishandled munitions. The report revealed that between 1979 and 2013, there were over 500 incidents involving unplanned explosions at munitions sites, underscoring the need for strict safety protocols in handling such materials.
The Cambodian military is now focused on the aftermath of the explosion, ensuring the safety and security of the area as they work to prevent any further tragedies. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the soldiers who tragically lost their lives in this devastating event.