A deadly explosion in the Lakki Marwat district claimed the lives of five children and injured 13 others on Saturday. The blast took place in the Surband Langar Khel area, falling under the jurisdiction of Saddar police station.
According to police, the explosion was caused by an old mortar shell. A group of children found the shell lying outside their village. Believing it to be harmless, they carried it home. The device exploded while they were playing with it.
As a result, five children were killed on the spot, including four girls and one boy. All of them were between six and twelve years old. The blast also injured 13 members of the same household, including men and women.
Rescue teams arrived quickly and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital. Medical staff are providing treatment, and some of the victims are reported to be in critical condition.
Soon after the explosion, senior police officials, including the District Police Officer of Lakki Marwat, reached the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off for safety and investigation purposes.
Bomb disposal experts were also called to the site. They are searching the surrounding area for any more unexploded devices. Authorities believe the mortar shell may have been left behind from previous military operations or training exercises.
The incident has caused grief and panic in the local community. Residents have been urged not to touch any suspicious objects and to alert authorities immediately if they come across similar items.
This tragic event in Lakki Marwat highlights the ongoing danger of unexploded ordnance in rural areas. Officials are working to prevent such accidents and raise awareness among the public, especially children. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
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