Phnom Penh, Cambodia – An explosion at a military base in south-western Cambodia has claimed the lives of 20 soldiers and injured several others, according to Prime Minister Hun Manet. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, resulted in significant damage to the base buildings and nearby village homes, though the cause of the blast remains unclear.
Images from the scene depict badly damaged buildings, some with roofs blown off, alongside soldiers receiving medical treatment at a hospital. Reports indicate that four buildings, including three for storage and one work facility, were destroyed, along with various military vehicles. Additionally, 25 homes in the surrounding villages were also damaged in the aftermath of the explosion.
The province where the blast took place has been experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 39C (102F) on the day of the incident. While high temperatures typically do not trigger ammunition explosions, they can compromise the stability of explosives over time, potentially leading to a chain reaction if ignited.
Local resident Pheng Kimneang described a series of explosions, starting with a major blast at around 2:30 pm followed by smaller blasts lasting for an hour. The impact shattered windows at a nearby factory and caused minor damage to homes up to a kilometer away from the base. Photos of the site reveal its isolated location in a large field, without any civilian structures nearby.
Prime Minister Hun Manet extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged government support for their funerals and compensation. An alumnus of the US Military Academy at West Point, Hun Manet assumed office as prime minister last year, succeeding his father, Hun Sen, who led Cambodia for nearly four decades before stepping down.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of both military personnel and civilians in the affected area.