Dec 05, (V7N) - A tragic explosion during a military training exercise in southern Vietnam has killed 12 soldiers, with authorities suspecting that a lightning strike during a severe storm triggered an electric detonator. The incident occurred on Monday night at a military shooting range in the 7th Military Region in Dong Nai, a major industrial area.

The soldiers were reportedly transporting explosives when the explosion occurred. Some of the victims' bodies are still being searched for, according to the 7th Military Newspaper. The Ministry of Defence has launched an urgent investigation into the incident, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

The explosion happened just a day after Defence Minister Phan Van Giang delivered a speech marking the start of the combat exercise. While accidents during military training are uncommon in Vietnam, this incident highlights the potential risks associated with such operations.

END/WD/RH/