HANOI: Twelve Vietnamese soldiers were killed in an explosion during a military drill, the defence ministry said late Wednesday (Dec 4).
The incident occurred on Monday evening at a shooting range in Dong Nai province in southern Vietnam as troops with the 7th Military Region practiced combat in harsh weather conditions and complex terrain, the statement said.
The ministry said the blast took place while explosive devices were being transported amid heavy rain and thunderstorms.
"A total of 12 personnel were reported missing; most of the bodies have since been recovered, but search efforts are ongoing,” it added.
The initial cause was determined to be lightning striking an electric detonator, causing it to trigger the explosives electrically.
"This tragedy represents an immeasurable loss for the unit, families, and comrades,” the military statement said. - dpa
