Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed deep shock as he revealed that an ammunition explosion at a base in Kampong Speu province, south-western Cambodia, has resulted in the loss of 20 soldiers' lives and left several others injured. The incident, occurring on Saturday afternoon, has raised questions about its cause, which remains unclear at this time.

Images captured at the scene depict severely damaged structures still emitting smoke, with roofs blown off and soldiers receiving medical attention in nearby hospitals. Reports from the site indicate that four buildings, including storage facilities and a work area, were obliterated, while numerous military vehicles suffered damage. Additionally, 25 homes of villagers in the vicinity sustained varying degrees of damage.

Colonel Youeng Sokhon, an army officer at the site, provided a brief account of the devastation to army chief Gen Mao Sophan via social media. He highlighted the destruction caused to both military and civilian structures. The timing of the explosion, amidst an ongoing heatwave with temperatures soaring to 39°C (102°F), raises concerns about the potential degradation of explosive materials, although a conclusive explanation for the incident is yet to be determined.

Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing experience, with nearby resident Pheng Kimneang describing a series of blasts, starting with a major explosion around 2:30 PM, followed by subsequent smaller detonations lasting for approximately an hour. The impact of the explosion shattered windows of nearby factories and caused minor damages to homes located up to a kilometer away.

Despite the tragedy, Prime Minister Hun Manet assured support for the affected families, pledging government assistance to cover funeral expenses and provide compensation for both the deceased soldiers and the wounded. A West Point graduate and former army commander, Hun Manet ascended to the role of prime minister last year, succeeding his father, Hun Sen, who held the position for an unprecedented 38 years before his retirement.

BOB Post