Deadly explosion at Cambodian military base was an accident, ministers say

Twenty people died in the blast (Chim Sothea via AP)

A huge explosion at a military base in south-western Cambodia that killed 20 soldiers and injured many others was an accident caused by a “technical issue” stemming from old ammunition that was being moved, the defence ministry said.

The army said Saturday’s blast was believed to have been an accident caused by mishandling of degraded ammunition by troops.