Eleven people died in an explosion at the ammunition disposal site in Haa earlier today. Our reporter, Yeshi Gyaltshen, says eight were killed on the spot, and three succumbed to injuries at the IMTRAT hospital. Upon the command of His Majesty, five of the injured were airlifted and referred to the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.
The accident occurred at Anakha under Samar Gewog.
The Chief Operations Officer, Major General Batoo Tshering, said one of the expired switches probably detonated resulting in a series of explosion of the switches. The troops, at the time, were preparing the expired switches for destruction of the outdated ammunition.
Major General Batoo Tshering also said, as per the standing procedures, all outdated ammunition have to be destroyed. He said, accordingly, a team of technically qualified officer and soldiers had been sent to destroy the outdated ammunition.
He added that a high level technical inquiry will take place to find out how the explosion occurred.
His Majesty the King visited the site of the accident and briefed the Chief of Army for a proper arrangement of the soldiers’ last rites and the welfare of their families. His Majesty is still in Haa.
