A fatal blast caused by suspected Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Phiang District, Xayaboury Province has claimed the lives of two children.
According to a report from the District Police Headquarters seen by the Laotian Times, police received a phone call about the explosion at around 1:00 pm on Saturday.
A 10-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl from the Hmong community in Xayaboury died in the explosion, while two young children received severe injuries.
The cause of the explosion was reportedly a mortar shell that had been mistakenly picked up by a member of the children’s family, who believed it to be a piece of scrap metal that could be sold.
Older family members had left the house earlier to seek medical treatment at the district hospital, leaving the children alone at the time of the incident.
In response to the tragedy, district authorities have requested relevant officials conduct inspections and safely dismantle any other unexploded ordnance in the area.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed to civilians by unexploded ordnance, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to address and eliminate the threat they pose to communities worldwide.
In early July, Laos, the most bombed country in the world, released a statement expressing concern over a decision by the US to deliver cluster bombs to Ukraine as part of efforts to repel the invading Russian army.
