Kampong Speu, Cambodia – A devastating explosion at a military base in south-western Cambodia claimed the lives of 20 soldiers, leaving others injured and causing damage to nearby homes. Security remained tight around the area as guards worked to keep media personnel at bay on Sunday following the tragic incident in Chbar Mon district of Kompong Speu province.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep shock upon learning of the explosion through a Facebook post on Saturday. The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, as images from the scene depicted severely damaged buildings, with soldiers being treated in a nearby hospital and neighboring houses bearing the brunt of the explosion with holes in their roofs.
According to Col. Youeng Sokhon, four buildings, including three used for storage and one as a work facility, were destroyed, along with several military vehicles. Additionally, 25 homes belonging to villagers were also damaged by the explosion. The devastated structures, covering a vast field, appeared to have no civilian properties in close proximity.
One villager, who identified himself as Sophal, recounted hearing a loud noise before witnessing smoke rising from the direction of the army base. He quickly sought shelter in his home with his family as panic ensued in the village, with residents scrambling to find safe havens. The military shut down access to the base, prompting villagers to seek refuge in more secure locations.
The incident occurred amid a lingering heatwave in Cambodia, where temperatures soared up to 39°C in the province. While high temperatures typically do not trigger explosions, they can impair the stability of explosives over time, potentially leading to an unforeseen chain reaction.
Hun Manet extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged government assistance to cover funeral expenses and compensation for the affected families. A West Point graduate and former army commander, Hun Manet succeeded his father, Hun Sen, as prime minister last year after his 38-year tenure leading Cambodia. US Ambassador Patrick Murphy also conveyed his sympathies to the families of the soldiers impacted by the explosion.