Explosion at Va Guard base sends 14 to hospitals

BLACKSTONE, Va. (AP) - A pyrotechnic device used in training exercises exploded at Fort Pickett, sending 14 Virginia National Guard soldiers to hospitals, most as a precautionary measure.

By: Associated Press | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: November 19, 2009

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BLACKSTONE, Va. (AP) - A pyrotechnic device used in training exercises exploded at Fort Pickett, sending 14 Virginia National Guard soldiers to hospitals, most as a precautionary measure.
Maj. Cotton Puryear says a small "flash-bang" device used to simulate the sounds of explosions exploded Wednesday night in a training building while soldiers were going through materials to be used for training. He didn't identify the type of device and it was unclear whether it malfunctioned.
A soldier closest to the blast suffered third-degree burns and cuts and was taken to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond. Puryear said her injuries weren't believed to be life-threatening. The other 13 soldiers were taken to hospitals as a precaution, mainly for ringing in their ears.

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