BDF Confirms Bomb Explosion in Orange Walk Was from Old Training Ground

The Ministry of National Defence and Border Security has confirmed that the powerful explosion that rocked San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village in the Orange Walk District on Saturday was caused by a military training bomb.

According to the ministry, the device has been identified as an MK1 General Purpose Medium Capacity Aircraft Bomb, which was determined to be a training bomb rather than a live explosive. Unlike combat versions typically filled with TNT, this one only contained a “spotting charge” — a small exploder designed to create a limited blast to mark impact points during training exercises.

The explosion, which occurred around 4:00 p.m. on October 4, created a crater approximately three feet wide and two inches deep. The Belize Defence Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team later discovered two additional bombs of the same type at the site. Those devices were safely stabilized and removed.

Officials say the area was once used as a military training ground, which explains the presence of the unexploded ordnance. The Ministry is now warning residents that other such devices may still be buried in the area.

The explosion claimed the life of 25-year-old welder Jose Valencia after he accidentally detonated the bomb.

According to homeowner Dave Burgos, a former P.U.P. area representative, Valencia had been welding metal hooks onto what he believed was a harmless training bomb intended as a decorative piece.

The BDF is urging the public not to touch, move, or tamper with any suspicious metal objects that may resemble bombs or shells. Instead, residents should immediately contact the Belize Defence Force or visit the nearest BDF base to report the finding so that experts can safely dispose of the ordnance.

The ministry says the BDF’s EOD Team remains on standby to respond to any similar discoveries across the country.