Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Twenty Cambodian soldiers tragically lost their lives in an ammunition explosion at an army base in Kampong Speu province, west of the capital city. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep shock at the incident, which also left several soldiers injured. The explosion, which occurred at around 2.45pm local time, was described by the army as a result of an entire truck of munitions detonating, causing widespread devastation.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time. Images circulated on social media depicted a destroyed one-story building engulfed in smoke and residents of a nearby village shared photos of shattered windows. Additionally, photographs showed injured civilians being treated at a hospital for cuts and injuries sustained during the incident.
Cambodia has a history of munitions accidents due to the abundance of ammunition leftover from years of civil conflict. The army classified this incident as a “warehouse ammunition explosion” that obliterated a truck loaded with weaponry. The explosion not only destroyed an office building and nearby barracks but also damaged 25 homes in the vicinity.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered the prompt arrangement of funerals for the fallen soldiers, along with financial support for their families. Each family of the deceased will reportedly receive approximately $20,000, while the injured soldiers are set to receive $5,000 each as compensation.
The Southeast Asian country has long struggled with the remnants of war, with unexploded ordnance and mines posing ongoing threats to the population. Accidents involving such weapons have claimed thousands of lives and left many more injured. Efforts to clear these hazardous materials continue, with a government commitment to rid the nation of all mines and unexploded ordnance by 2025.
Recent incidents, including the deaths of four individuals due to unexploded ordnance and the discovery of explosives inside a school, highlight the persistent dangers that Cambodia faces. The urgency of addressing these risks underscores the importance of ongoing demining efforts and promoting greater awareness of the threats posed by leftover munitions.