Explosion Shakes Vietnamese Military During Exercise In Dong Nai Province

Explosion with smoke and fire in open landscape.

A shocking explosion in Vietnam ended the lives of 12 soldiers during a military training exercise.

At a Glance

A tragic explosion during a Vietnamese military training exercise in Dong Nai province resulted in 12 soldier deaths.
The blast was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike activating an electronic detonator.
The accident happened at the 7th Military Region’s shooting range amid heavy rain and thunder.
An urgent investigation by the Ministry of Defence aims to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies.

The Tragic Event

A fatal explosion during a military training exercise has devastated Vietnam’s armed forces, with 12 soldiers losing their lives. The incident took place in the Dong Nai province at the 7th Military Region’s shooting range. An unanticipated lightning strike possibly initiated the blast by activating an electronic detonator while the soldiers were handling explosives. The accident occurred amidst severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and thunder.

On Wednesday, state media reported the tragic accident, which had already gained traction on social media. The exercise aimed to assess combat readiness and practice defensive operations, marked by an opening ceremony attended by key defense figures, including Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang and Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong. The explosion occurred just a day after a speech from the defense minister. Recovery operations continue, with most bodies recovered while authorities search for those still missing.

🚨BREAKING: 12 military personnel were reported missing following an explosion during a military exercise in southern Việt Nam on Monday, according to an official announcement. Most of the bodies have since been recovered, but search efforts continue.https://t.co/dptkang57Y

— Việt Nam News (@VietnamNewsVNS) December 4, 2024

Investigation and Aftermath

The Ministry of Defense has launched an urgent investigation into this incident to discern the exact cause of the explosion. This investigation aims to implement preventive measures and ensure that such tragedies do not reoccur. Vietnamese military officials described the event as an “immeasurable loss,” expressing condolences for the families, fellow soldiers, and the affected military unit.

The military community faces a significant emotional toll, underscoring the need for reinforced safety measures. As the pursuit of combat readiness continues, ensuring the safety and security of servicemen and women remains a paramount priority for military leaders. The loss reverberates not only within the military but also among the citizens, reminding everyone of the unpredictability and inherent risks of military training.

Explosion during training exercise kills 12 Vietnamese soldiers: state media https://t.co/BtUvidzbGB pic.twitter.com/BCTYCtXKXx

— American Military News (@AmerMilNews) December 5, 2024