Ammunition explosion at Czech army training area kills one, injures 8 others

WORLD  17 June 2024 - 18:42

A deadly ammunition explosion at the Libavá military training area in the Olomouc Region on Monday morning has left one soldier dead and eight others injured, alongside one civilian, the Czech Army reported.

The explosion, which occurred during an exercise involving explosive disposal experts, has been described by the army as a "serious accident." The specifics of the ammunition involved have not been disclosed, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

"One professional soldier died during the explosion in the Libavá military training area," the Czech Armed Forces stated on the social media platform X. "Another seven soldiers and one civilian employee were taken to hospitals in Olomouc."

The army detailed that two of the injured were evacuated by rescue helicopter, while four others were transported to the Olomouc Military Hospital for further treatment. The condition of the remaining injured individuals has not yet been disclosed.

The Military Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

The incident occurred in the east of the Czech Republic at the Libavá training area, which is frequently used for military exercises. The Czech Armed Forces acknowledged the severity of the incident in a previous post around noon, stating that they were dealing with "a serious accident."

Caliber.Az