Soldier Held as French Probe Display That Left 17 Injured

French authorities are investigating a military demonstration gone terribly wrong yesterday, the AFP reports, in which 17 people were wounded when a soldier fired live rounds instead of blanks during a demonstration of hostage-situation techniques. The soldier has been detained, but has no history of psychological problems. "The theory being worked on is one of error," an official said.

"One way or another something went wrong," France's defense minister said. "This type of incident is very rare and incomprehensible. There are procedures in place to prevent this kind of thing." Four of the 17 victims were seriously injured, including one child, but doctors say the most critically injured patient has stabilized. (More France stories.)