Two children, woman injured after grenade detonates in Yambio
According to an eyewitness, the explosion was caused by a grenade believed to have been buried within the compound.
By Emmanuel Mandella
At least two children and a pregnant woman were injured when a handheld grenade exploded in the Duduma residential area of Yambio Town on Wednesday.
Alice Wilson, the pregnant woman, was preparing cassava flour at her compound as two other teenagers were playing nearby when the explosion erupted beneath the ground.
According to an eyewitness, Daniel Abash, the explosion was caused by a grenade believed to have been buried within the compound.
“Ten minutes ago, there was a grenade explosion. I was just very near that place, and I rushed there. What I saw was heartbreaking. The grenade hit the woman on the head. She is still alive, and by God’s grace, she may survive.”
He added, “This is a tragedy. We need to take serious precautions. Soldiers and anyone keeping ammunition must ensure it is stored far from residential areas. Grenades and other weapons have no place in our homes,” Abash said.
His Worship John Singira, the Mayor of Yambio Municipality, confirmed the incident and said the authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
“There was a terrible incident involving a pregnant woman who was hit by a grenade,” he said.
“We have appealed to the Red Cross to assist in transporting her to Juba for advanced medical treatment and we are waiting for their response,” Singira added.
The mayor condemned the unnecessary movement of guns, unless one is on duty. “We urge all soldiers and those handling weapons to adhere to safety regulations to prevent further tragedies.”
The explosion has reignited fears among residents about the dangers of unexploded ordnance left behind by years of conflict.
Community members are now calling for a comprehensive clearance of explosive devices from within the residential areas.
“This is a tragedy. We need to take serious precautions. Soldiers and anyone keeping ammunition must ensure it is stored far from residential areas,” Daniel Abash, an eyewitness.