A soldier has died and another is injured following an explosion at a military training ground in Andalucia.
The tragedy struck at around 11am on Friday at the ‘Álvarez de Sotomayor’ Training and Firing Range Command in Viator (Almeria).
Emergency services said they received reports of a loud detonation at the facilities, which adjoin the ‘Álvarez de Sotomayor’ military base.
The blast reportedly took soldiers by surprise during a routine training exercise.
Paramedics, ambulances and judicial authorities were immediately deployed to the scene.
The injured soldier was evacuated by ambulance to the Torrecardenas University Hospital, where he underwent surgery for serious injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Daniel R.M., a young Legionnaire and resident of the nearby town of Vícar.
Vícar’s mayor, Antonio Bonilla, announced that the municipality will observe two days of official mourning in his memory.
‘On behalf of all the people of Vícar, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and comrades in the Legion,’ Bonilla said in a message shared on social media.
He also sent ‘affection and support’ to the family during ‘these very difficult times’, adding: ‘The loss of Daniel deeply moves us – a young man from Vícar who served his country with pride and commitment. His example of dedication will always remain in our memory.’
Investigation underway
The Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil have taken charge of the investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, which also caused structural damage at the training facilities.
According to reports cited by Diario de Almería, the blast was powerful enough to cause the collapse of several walls.
Initial lines of inquiry point to the accidental detonation of an explosive device, although other sources suggest the explosion may have originated from within the facilities themselves.
The King Alfonso XIII Brigade of the Spanish Legion, based at Viator, is awaiting official confirmation on the cause.
The area has been sealed off for security reasons while investigations continue. Only judicial authorities and authorised emergency personnel are being allowed access.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
