On Friday, a recreational soccer game turned into a tragedy as dozens of people, including 22 children, were killed in an accidental explosion, likely caused by unexploded ordnance in Somalia. Local authorities reported that 27 people died, and 53 were injured in the incident. The children killed were all boys aged between 10 and 15, who were playing football on an open public field in the town of Janaale. The explosive was a large piece of metal, likely left over from years of fighting in the war-torn country, according to The Halo Trust, the world’s largest humanitarian landmine clearance charity.
The explosive device detonated when exposed to fire and heat, as some onlookers attempted to use it as a cooking tool. The authorities have advised people to be cautious of old metals and not to go near them. They have also urged people to report to the authorities if anyone finds something that looks rusty and old. It remains unclear if it was a landmine or other type of discarded bomb.
UNICEF has expressed its deep shock and horror over the incident, stating that the tragedy highlights the importance of all parties to the conflict in Somalia to handle ordnance with care, clear existing mines and unexploded devices, and scale up mine risk education among children and communities. Meanwhile, the authorities have called on the government and aid agencies to provide assistance to the affected families.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
