Explosion at Cambodian military base kills 20 soldiers | World News

An ammunition explosion at a military base in southwestern Cambodia has resulted in the tragic death of 20 soldiers and left several others injured, according to Prime Minister Hun Manet. The incident occurred at a base in Kampong Speu province, and the cause of the explosion is still unknown.

Pictures from the scene depict the aftermath of the explosion, with several buildings severely damaged and soldiers receiving medical treatment in a hospital. Col. Youeng Sokhon reported that four buildings, including storage facilities and a work facility, were destroyed, along with several military vehicles. Additionally, 25 villagers’ homes were also damaged in the blast.

The province where the explosion took place had experienced scorching temperatures, reaching as high as 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) on the day of the incident. While high temperatures typically do not cause ammunition to detonate, they can compromise the stability of explosives over time, potentially leading to a chain reaction.

Witnesses described a major explosion followed by smaller blasts for an hour, causing damage to nearby structures. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and pledged government support for their funerals and compensation for the victims. Hun Manet, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, took office as prime minister last year, succeeding his father, Hun Sen, who had ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades.