A tragic explosion at a military base in Chbar Mon, Cambodia, has left 20 soldiers dead, several others wounded, and nearby houses damaged. The incident, which occurred in the province’s Chbar Mon district, has left the community in shock and mourning.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but images from the scene show several badly damaged buildings on the base, with roofs blown off and soldiers receiving treatment in a hospital. Nearby houses also suffered damage, with holes in their roofs and broken windows and doors.
One villager, Chim Sothea, described the terrifying moment when the explosion occurred, causing his house to shake and tiles on his roof to fall. Another villager, Sophal, recounted hearing a sharp sound and seeing smoke rising from the direction of the army base, prompting him to seek shelter with his family.
The incident has raised concerns about the storage and handling of munitions, with a history of similar accidents in the region. The Swiss-based group Small Arms Survey highlighted the dangers of poorly stored explosives, noting that unplanned explosions can have devastating consequences.
Hun Manet, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and current prime minister of Cambodia, offered condolences to the soldiers’ families and promised government support for funerals and compensation. U.S. Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy also extended condolences to the affected families.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.