10 South Korean soldiers injured in unexpected explosion during military drill
The unit was using practice shells designed to produce smoke and a loud sound when one of the devices suddenly went off
The explosion happened at a military base in the northern border city of Paju, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement, where an artillery unit was conducting a drill simulating live-fire procedures but without real ammunition.
“At approximately 3.24pm on Wednesday, a mock training round designed to simulate artillery fire and smoke unexpectedly exploded,” the statement said.
The unit was practising firing procedures on K9 self-propelled howitzers using explosive devices designed to produce smoke and a loud detonation, The Korea Herald reported. One of the devices exploded unexpectedly, causing casualties.
At least 10 soldiers were injured, including two who suffered serious burns to their arms and thighs. The rest were being treated for burns on their hands. A total of 12 soldiers had taken part in the drill, according to a report by The Korea Times.