The explosion at a Royal Cambodian Armed Forces ammunition dump in Kampong Speu province at 2.25pm on April 27. - KSP TV live
PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as many of the kingdom’s top leaders, have shared their condolences with the families of the victims of an explosion at a Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) ammunition dump.
The explosion, which occurred in Kampong Speu province at 2.25pm on April 27, claimed the lives of at least 20 soldiers and wounded an additional 15.
The prime minister shared his personal condolences to the victims and donated $20,000 to the families of each of the dead, along with US$5,000 for each of the injured.
Five military trucks were reportedly transporting a shipment of ammunition from Koh Kong province, for storage at the Region 3 Military base.
One of the trucks exploded, along with three ammunition warehouses. Numerous local media outlets reported that the initial explosion was caused by a fire.
In addition to the destroyed vehicle and storage facilities, one barracks building suffered serious damage, along with 25 homes belonging to local residents.
One resident told local media that after the initial explosion, smaller blasts continued for around an hour.
“I was deeply shocked to receive the news of the explosion,” said Manet.
“On behalf of myself and the government, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers who were killed and express my deepest sympathy for those injured in this tragic incident,” he added.
Senate president Hun Sen also shared his commiserations with the families of the victims.
“I dedicate my prayers to the souls of the soldiers to be reborn in (or to rest in peace) peace, and I wish all of the injured victims a speedy recovery,” he said.
Numerous other notables shared their condolences, including president of the Cambodian Red Cross Bun Rany, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, former Minister of National Defence Tea Banh, and many of the RCAF command. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
