Mysterious explosion in Stung Treng province

Police in Stung Treng province today said they are looking into a mysterious explosion in the sky that left debris scattered near the Cambodia-Lao border.

Major General Mao Dara, chief of provincial police, said the explosion occurred at about 6.30am yesterday and that the debris were scattered in Thala Barivat district’s Ou’Svay and Preah Romkil communes.

“We heard the sound of an explosion and we saw pieces of iron debris scattered in different places,” Maj Gen Dara said. “We don’t know where the debris came from because we are not the experts, so we can’t make a conclusion yet.”

Provincial Governor Mom Saroeun said experts are now investigating the explosion, adding that local villagers were not injured.

“Expert officials are investigating and no one was injured,” Mr Saroeun said.

General Chhum Sucheat, spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said he suspects that the explosion was caused by a drone.

“Spy drones were destroyed many times in Preah Vihear,” Gen Sucheat said. “It might have been a drone.”