A tragic incident occurred in southern Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of twelve soldiers during a military training exercise. State media reports suggest that the explosion was accidental and might have been triggered by a lightning strike.
Details of the Incident
The explosion happened on 2 December 2024 at a military shooting range of the 7th Military Region in Dong Nai province. While transporting explosives, the soldiers were reportedly struck by lightning, which activated an electric detonator. An initial investigation indicated that the weather conditions contributed to this unfortunate event.
Response from Authorities
- The Ministry of Defence has expressed deep condolences, describing the incident as an “irreparable loss”.
- Authorities have launched an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
- Efforts are still ongoing to recover the bodies of soldiers who were reported missing after the tragedy.
Daily life in Vietnam often carries on with a sense of resilience, but events like this remind us of the unpredictability of life, even during routine military training. Vietnam’s military exercises are usually safe, making this incident all the more shocking.
The Bigger Picture
Fatal accidents during military training are uncommon in Vietnam, which raises significant concern within the military community and among the families of the victims. Defence Minister Phan Van Giang had recently addressed troops at the start of this exercise, highlighting the importance of safety.