Quick facts on unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS) - December 2021 update

636 incidents of Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS) took place between 1979 and December 2021, resulting in 30,883 casualties (deaths and injuries), reveals the newest update of the Small Arms Survey UEMS database. The database tracks the frequency and destructive impact of UEMS incidents—defined as the accidental explosion of abandoned, damaged, improperly stored, or properly stored stockpiles of ammunition and explosives at munitions sites. A single UEMS incident can result in dozens of casualties and millions of dollars' worth of clean-up costs and damage to nearby buildings, infrastructure, and homes.

• See also the full database and interactive map