Datia (Madhya Pradesh)
A tragic accident took place in Jaitpur village, Datia district, where a 17-year-old boy lost his life, and two others were seriously injured after an old bomb exploded at an army firing range.
What Happened?
The victim, Gangaram, son of Dalu Adivasi, was with his friends Ramu (23) and Manoj (16) when the incident happened. The boys had entered the Heerapur Army Firing Range to collect scrap metal—a common practice among locals looking for leftover metal pieces from military training exercises.
While searching, they found an unexploded bomb. Not knowing the danger, they tried to open it, causing it to explode suddenly. Gangaram died on the spot, while Ramu and Manoj were badly injured. Locals rushed them to a nearby hospital, and later, they were shifted to Jhansi Medical College for better treatment.
Why is This Dangerous?
The army firing range is a restricted area, used for military training. Often, unexploded bombs and shells are left behind. If disturbed, they can explode at any time, as seen in this tragic incident.
Local authorities have warned villagers not to enter the firing range, as it is extremely risky. The police have also started an investigation to understand what went wrong and how to prevent such incidents in the future.
Bigger Problem – Unexploded Bombs in Civilian Areas
This is not the first time such an accident has happened in India. Many poor villagers enter restricted military areas to collect metal for money, not realizing how dangerous it is. These unexploded bombs can go off at any moment if touched, hit, or tampered with.
What Can Be Done?
Experts suggest a few solutions:
- The army should clear out leftover bombs regularly to prevent such accidents.
- Villagers need to be educated about the dangers of collecting scrap metal from military zones.
- Stronger fencing and security measures can help keep people away from these high-risk areas.
Final Warning from Authorities
The police and army have strictly warned villagers to stay away from firing ranges and other restricted areas. This tragic accident is a reminder that these places are extremely dangerous, and people should never risk their lives for scrap metal.
