WWII relic explodes under campfire in Austria, five children hurt
WWII relic explodes under campfire in Austria, five children hurt
A World War II-era explosive detonated beneath a campfire in Upper Austria, injuring five children aged 10-14 who were taken to hospital.
A World War II-era explosive detonated beneath a campfire in Upper Austria, injuring five children aged 10 to 14 who were taken to hospital for treatment. The incident highlights the ongoing danger posed by unexploded ordnance found across Austria, even decades after the war.
Authorities say the blast occurred as the group of youngsters were gathered around a campfire in a rural area near Linz when the relic underneath the embers detonated. Police described the injuries as serious enough to require hospital care, though no further details on severity were released at this time.
Explosive remnants from the war continue to surface in forests, fields, and camping sites, prompting frequent cautions from safety officials. Experts stress that if anyone encounters a suspicious object, they should leave it where it is and call the police or a local bomb disposal unit for proper removal.
Emergency teams arrived on the scene to secure the area and midwife out the injured to medical facilities. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the relic was triggered and whether there were additional hazards nearby.
Residents are reminded to stay vigilant around old munitions and to report any suspicious findings promptly. The risk from such relics remains a rare but real possibility as Austria continues to deal with the legacy of war-time ordnance.
