Twelve Vietnamese soldiers tragically lost their lives in an accidental explosion during a military training exercise in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam, on Monday night.
According to state media, the incident occurred at a shooting range of the 7th Military Region. The soldiers were reportedly transporting explosives when a lightning strike during a severe storm triggered an electronic detonator, leading to the fatal explosion.
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A local military newspaper reported that most of the bodies have been recovered, but authorities are continuing the search for any missing personnel. An urgent investigation into the incident has been initiated by the Ministry of Defence, as confirmed by the Vietnam News Agency.
The tragedy unfolded just a day after Defence Minister Phan Van Giang had delivered a speech inaugurating the combat exercise, according to the state-run Nhan Dan newspaper.
Source: With inputs from agencies