BRUSSELS — A military spokesman says seven soldiers have been injured in an explosion at a military base during a munitions dismantling operation, including three who are treated for life-threatening burns and injuries.

Some of the soldiers were taken by helicopter to a special center near Brussels for further treatment after Wednesday's blast at a military base in eastern Belgium some 100 kilometers (65 miles) away.

Col. Paul Desair told VTM network that gunpowder self-ignited during the dismantling operation, setting off the explosion.

(AP)