Venezuelan President Survives Explosion at Caracas Military Parade, Officials Say

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was taken to safety after an explosion at an outdoor military parade in Caracas on August 4.Venezuelan government officials claimed the president was targeted in a deliberate attack by explosive drones, but firefighters claimed the incident was an accidental gas explosion which occurred in a nearby apartment, the Associated Press reported.In a statement to the media, Venezuelan communications minister Jorge Rodriguez said the attack on Avenida Bolivar, which left seven soldiers injured, was an attempt on Maduro’s life, CNN reported.Maduro’s televised speech at the event to mark the 81st anniversary of the Venezuelan army was cut moments after the explosion happened, the BBC reported. State television footage showed soldiers running away from the explosion seconds before the broadcast ended.In these videos filmed from the home of an eyewitness, military personnel with shields can be seen moving along nearby streets with shields. Meanwhile, a cacophony of sirens can be heard coming from the square where the parade was held. Credit: Manuel Berbín via Storyful