Three Children Critically Injured in Unexploded Mortar Blast
A tragic incident unfolded in Manipur's Tengnoupal district on Saturday afternoon, leaving three young boys with severe injuries. The children were playing in a village courtyard when an unexploded mortar shell detonated unexpectedly.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The explosion occurred at approximately 12:50 PM in Molnoi village. According to official reports, the minors were unaware that the object they were playing with was a live explosive. Security forces who rushed to the site later recovered the tail section of a 2-inch mortar from the blast location.
The victims include two siblings, both aged eight years old, and another boy who is ten years old. An official stated that the source of the explosive and how it ended up in the village remains unknown and is a key focus of the investigation.
Emergency Response and Critical Condition
Following the blast, the injured children were immediately taken to the primary health centre at Komlathabi. Given the severity of their wounds, they were quickly referred to the 26 Sector Assam Rifles Hospital located in Pallel for initial emergency care.
Subsequently, to ensure they received advanced medical treatment, all three boys were shifted to a major hospital in Imphal. Medical authorities have described their conditions as critical.
Investigation Launched into the Blast
Local authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident. A formal probe is now underway to ascertain the origins of the mortar shell and the circumstances that led to it being present in a civilian area. This shocking event has raised serious concerns about the presence of unexploded ordnance in the region.
