Soldiers return to duty after explosion at Va base

BLACKSTONE, Va. (AP) — Thirteen Virginia National Guard soldiers sent to hospitals after a training device exploded at Fort Pickett are back on duty.

Maj. Cotton Puryear says a soldier closest to the blast remains hospitalized with second-degree burns and small lacerations to her hand. The soldier, who wasn't identified, was in stable condition Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery.

Puryear says a small pyrotechnic device used for training exploded Wednesday night in a building while soldiers were inventorying training materials. The device simulates the sound of explosions.

The other soldiers were sent to hospitals in the region as a precaution. They were treated and released.