Mortar shell blast kills two students

Abandoned device brought into madrassa explodes, leaving 17 children injured

MIRANSHAH:

A horrifying accident struck the Shamsul Quran Madrassa in North Waziristan, on Wednesday afternoon when an abandoned mortar shell unexpectedly exploded, killing two young students and injuring 17 others.

According to eyewitnesses, around 2 pm, a group of children discovered a mortar shell in a nearby field. Mistaking it for a toy, they brought it inside the madrassa. As the students handled it in the classroom, it suddenly detonated, shaking the mud-brick walls and sending shockwaves across the area.

The blast claimed the lives of two children instantly. Seventeen others, mostly aged between 8 and 14, sustained injuries. The injured were immediately rushed to Bannu DHQ Hospital and other nearby medical facilities, where several remain in critical condition.

Security officials told The Express Tribune that local elders had previously been warned about a mortar shell in the area and advised to stay clear. Unfortunately, the warning did not reach all households, leading to the children unknowingly handling the explosive device.

Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Bomb disposal units inspected surrounding locations to ensure no other unexploded ordnance remained. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the tragic accident.