Beach-based soldier recovering after mishap at Fort Pickett

Posted to: Military Virginia

By Meredith Kruse
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 20, 2009

BLACKSTONE

A soldier based in Virginia Beach is in stable condition after injuring her hand when a small pyrotechnic device detonated accidentally at Fort Pickett on Wednesday.

It was initially reported that she suffered third-degree burns. On Thursday, Virginia National Guard spokesman Maj. Alfred Puryear said she had second-degree burns and lacerations to her hand and is expected to recover fully.

Thirteen other soldiers were sent to regional hospitals as a precaution Wednesday night. All have returned to duty.

The device detonated about 8 p.m. Wednesday in a building where soldiers were conducting an inventory of materials used for field training during the day.

The injured soldier is assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group, which has been at Fort Pickett conducting annual training since Nov. 2.

An investigation is under way, Puryear said, but initial findings indicate that the detonation was an accident.

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