Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia – Twenty soldiers tragically lost their lives in a devastating ammunition explosion at an army base in Kampong Speu province. Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed the incident, which also left several other soldiers wounded. The explosion, which occurred around 2:45 pm local time, resulted in the destruction of an entire truck filled with munitions.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with reports indicating that the blast destroyed an office building, nearby barracks, and damaged 25 homes in the vicinity. Images shared on social media depicted a one-story building engulfed in smoke and residents from a nearby village showcasing broken windows. Additionally, civilians with cuts and injuries were seen receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Cambodia has a history of ammunition accidents due to the presence of leftover weaponry from decades of civil conflict. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his deep shock and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. He has instructed the defense minister and the commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to organize funerals for the fallen soldiers promptly.
Furthermore, Hun Manet announced that families of the deceased soldiers would receive approximately $20,000 each, while injured soldiers would be compensated $5,000. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by leftover ammunition and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia, with hundreds of lives lost to such accidents in the past.
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre reported that just last week, four individuals were killed by unexploded ordnance, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by remnants of past conflicts. Efforts to clear mines and unexploded ordnance continue, with the government aiming to eradicate all such hazards by 2025. The tragic explosion at the army base underscores the urgent need for increased safety measures and clearance of hazardous materials to prevent further loss of life.