EIGHT minors sustained injuries after a cartridge for an M203 grenade launcher exploded in Sitio Tinago, Barangay Candadam, Baybay City Tuesday afternoon, November 9, 2021.

The victims were five males and three females, with ages ranging from eight to 10 years old.

Initial investigation disclosed that one of the victims found the 40mm cartridge for M203 at the abandoned videoke house of the said sitio.

The children played with the cartridge by throwing it until it exploded.

Responding personnel of Baybay City Police Station brought the victims to Immaculada Conception Hospital for immediate medical attention.

The regional police command reminded the parents to monitor their children to avoid a similar incident, saying that “explosives are deadly and only skilled personnel have the authority to touch or hold such things.”

Leyte Police Provincial Office and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit have launched a post-blast investigation over the incident. (SunStar Philippines)