A devastating chain reaction explosion at a military base in southwestern Cambodia on Saturday afternoon claimed the lives of 20 soldiers, leaving countless hearts heavy with grief.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his shock and sorrow upon learning of the incident at the base in Kampong Speu province. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Graphic images from the scene depict the aftermath of the blast, with buildings reduced to smoldering ruins and at least one roof entirely blown off. Soldiers were seen receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital, while other photos showed homes with perforated roofs.

Local resident Chim Sothea described the terrifying moment he experienced. “As I was working on my house, a deafening explosion shook my home, shattering roof tiles,” he said. “They crashed down, but thankfully, not inside.”

According to army officer Col. Youeng Sokhon, the explosion destroyed four buildings and damaged several military vehicles. Additionally, 25 homes belonging to villagers in the vicinity sustained damage.

Cambodia, along with other countries in the region, has been enduring a prolonged heat wave. Although extreme temperatures typically cannot trigger ammunition detonations, they can compromise the stability of explosives over time. In this instance, it is possible that a small explosion ignited a fire and set off the chain reaction.

Witnesses reported a large blast at approximately 2:30 p.m., followed by a series of smaller explosions for an hour. The windows of a nearby factory were shattered, and homes up to half a mile away were reportedly damaged.

The military base where the tragedy occurred is situated in a vast field, with no visible civilian structures nearby. CONTINUE READING