On Thursday evening, an incident at the Álvarez de Sotomayor military base in Viator, Almería province, once again raised concerns about the safety of military exercises. A young legionnaire, only 20 years old, was caught in the center of an explosion while carrying out a practical assignment. As a result, he suffered serious injuries to both hands. Despite his critical condition, the injured serviceman managed to call for help himself.
According to preliminary reports, the explosion occurred while the soldier was working with equipment—reportedly a pole and a detonating cord. The blast caused significant damage to his hands. He was quickly transported to the Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas in Almería, where he received the necessary medical care. Doctors say his life is not in danger, but the extent of his injuries has not yet been disclosed.
The incident took place against the backdrop of an important event for the base: just a few hours earlier, Defense Minister Margarita Robles had visited the site. Her visit was linked to recent tragedies at the same training ground. At the end of October, soldier Daniel Ruiz Mateo was killed here, while his comrade Alejandro Carvajal Povedano sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized. The minister took the opportunity to personally visit the wounded soldier at the clinic.
Reaction from the military and demands on the state
Immediately after the incident, representatives of military organizations again raised the issue of recognizing the military profession as a high-risk occupation. In their view, such incidents clearly demonstrate the dangers service members face every day, especially when handling explosives and weapons. Associations note that the lack of official ‘high-risk profession’ status leads to insufficient attention from government agencies and, as a result, inadequate protection of the rights and interests of military personnel.
In their statement, the military emphasize that regular incidents at training grounds and military bases are not coincidences, but the result of constant contact with hazardous materials. They are calling on the authorities not only to acknowledge the specific risks of military service, but also to improve working conditions and provide extra guarantees for those who risk their health and lives every day.
Incident history at Viator base
The Álvarez de Sotomayor base in Viator has seen several tragic events in recent months. In October, a fatal incident occurred in which one soldier died and another was seriously injured. These cases sparked widespread public outcry and prompted discussions about strengthening safety measures at the country’s military facilities.
This time, despite the seriousness of the incident, fatal consequences were avoided. However, the very fact that accidents keep occurring at the same facility raises questions about how training is organized and whether safety measures are being followed. Relatives and colleagues of the victims express concern and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Government attention to the issue
The defense minister’s visit to Almería and her meeting with the injured servicemen highlight the importance of the issue for the country’s leadership. Authorities promise a detailed analysis and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The question of officially recognizing military service as a profession with special risks has once again become the focus of public and political debate.
For now, the young legionnaire remains in the hospital, while his fellow soldiers and representatives of military organizations await the official findings and decisions following the investigation. The incident in Almería serves as another reminder of the dangers faced by Spanish soldiers even in peacetime.
